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Pam Bondi is out as Trump’s attorney general

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Pam Bondi is out as Trump's attorney general

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that Pam Bondi is out as his attorney general, ending the contentious tenure of a loyalist who upended the Justice Department’s culture of independence from the White House, oversaw large-scale firings of career employees and moved aggressively to investigate the Republican president’s perceived enemies.

The departure of the country’s chief law enforcement officer followed months of scrutiny from angry conservatives over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation and failed efforts to please Trump through unsuccessful efforts to build criminal cases against prominent foes, investigations that in some cases have been rejected by judges or grand juries.

Trump named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the acting attorney general, though three people familiar with the matter have said he has privately discussed Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as a permanent pick.

“Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump said in a statement. He added: “We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.”

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Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, came into office last year pledging that she would not play politics with the Justice Department, but she quickly started investigations of Trump foes, sparking an outcry that the law enforcement agency was being wielded as a tool of revenge to advance the president’s political and personal agenda.

She ushered in a period of intense turmoil at the department that included the firings of career prosecutors deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump and the resignations of hundreds of other employees. Her departure continues a trend of Justice Department upheaval that has defined Trump’s presidency as multiple attorneys general across his two terms have either been pushed out or resigned after proving unwilling or unable to meet his demands for the position.

Bondi rejected accusations that she politicized the Justice Department and said her mission was to restore the institution’s credibility after overreach by President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration with two federal criminal cases against Trump. Bondi’s defenders have said she worked to refocus the department to better tackle illegal immigration and violent crime and brought much-needed change to an agency they believe unfairly targeted conservatives.

Embracing, supporting and protecting the president

Bondi’s public embrace of the president, however, marked a sharp departure from her predecessors, who generally took pains to maintain an arm’s-length distance from the White House to protect the impartiality of investigations and prosecutions. Bondi postured herself as Trump’s chief supporter and protector, praising and defending him in congressional hearings and placing a banner with his face on the exterior of Justice Department headquarters.

She called for an end to the “weaponization” of law enforcement she said occurred under the Biden administration, even though Biden’s attorney general, Merrick Garland, and Jack Smith, the special counsel who produced two cases against Trump, have said they followed the facts, the evidence and the law in their decision-making. Bondi’s critics, meanwhile, said she was the one who had politicized the agency to do the president’s bidding.

“You’ve turned the People’s Department of Justice into Trump’s instrument of revenge,” Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary committee, said at a February hearing.

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Bondi delivered a combative performance but few substantive answers at that hearing as she angrily insulted her Democratic questioners with name-calling, praised Trump over the performance of the stock market — “The Dow is up over 50,000 right now” —- and openly aligned herself as in sync with a president whom she painted as a victim of past impeachments and investigations.

Even Republicans began to challenge her, with the Republican-led House Oversight Committee last month issuing a subpoena to her to appear for a closed-door interview about the Epstein files.

Under Bondi’s leadership, the department opened investigations into a string of Trump foes, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan. The high-profile prosecutions of Comey and James were short-lived as they were quickly thrown out by a judge who ruled that the prosecutor who brought the cases was illegally appointed.

Trump repeatedly publicly praised and defended Bondi but also showed flashes of impatience with his attorney general’s efforts to meet his demands to prosecute his rivals. In one extraordinary social media post last year, Trump called on Bondi to move quickly to prosecute his foes, including James and Comey, telling her: “We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility.”

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Bondi oversaw the exodus of thousands of career employees — both through firings and voluntary departures — including lawyers who prosecuted violent attacks on police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; environmental, civil rights and ethics enforcers; counterterrorism prosecutors; and others.

Fumbling the Epstein files

She struggled to overcome early stumbles over the Epstein files that angered conservatives eager for government bombshells about the case, which has long fascinated conspiracy theorists. She herself had fed the conspiracy theory machine with a suggestion in a 2025 Fox News Channel interview that Epstein’s “client list” was sitting on her desk for review. The department later acknowledged that no such document exists.

Bondi was ridiculed over a move to hand out binders of Epstein files to conservative influencers at the White House only for it to be later revealed that the documents included no new revelations. And despite promises that more files were going to become public, the Justice Department in July said no more would be released, prompting Congress to pass a bill to force the agency to do so.

The Epstein files fumbles led to a stunning public criticism from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, a close friend of Bondi’s, who told Vanity Fair that the attorney general “completely whiffed.” The Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of Epstein files did little to tamp down criticism, prompting a House committee with the support of five Republicans to subpoena Bondi to answer questions under oath.

Bondi, who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, was his second choice to lead the Justice Department, picked for the role after former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations.

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How much prize money do Arsenal FC earn for winning Premier League title?

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How much prize money do Arsenal FC earn for winning Premier League title?

Arsenal have ended 22 years of hurt by winning the Premier League title, and with it earning a huge financial windfall.

After three years finishing as runners-up, Mikel Arteta and his squad finally got over the line – and with one game to spare.

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Person injured after falling from cliff edge in Skipsea

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Person injured after falling from cliff edge in Skipsea

They were left injured after falling from the cliffs at Skipsea, south of Bridlington, at 8.30pm on Saturday, Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team said.

The coastguard and paramedics were called to the scene.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said its crew was lowered onto the cliff face to reach the injured person, then helped lift them to safety on a stretcher.  

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“Although access to the casualty at the cliff base was possible, safely recovering them was another challenge entirely,” they said.

“Using specialist rope rescue equipment, the team established a technical rescue system from the cliff top.

“A coastguard rescue cliff technician was then carefully lowered down the cliff face to reach the injured casualty, package them safely into a stretcher, and carry out their recovery back to the top.

“Thanks to the teamwork, training, and professionalism of everyone involved, the casualty was successfully handed into the care of Yorkshire Ambulance Service and taken to hospital in a stable condition.”

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The coastguard urged people to “keep well back” from cliff edges and to “supervise children and dogs at all times”.

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Which kit will Arsenal FC wear to lift Premier League trophy today?

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Which kit will Arsenal FC wear to lift Premier League trophy today?

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Sunderland vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, latest updates and fan reaction

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Sunderland vs Chelsea FC: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

For Sunderland, the win completes a stellar first season back in the top flight, exactly one year on from the day when they confirmed their promotion from the Championship. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, with expert insight and analysis from Arthur Ferridge.

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Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal FC: Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke on target as champions sign off with win

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Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal FC: Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke on target as champions sign off with win

The Gunners avoided the crippling anxiety of a final-day shootout after Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, and their coronation here, Oliver Glasner’s last home fixture as Palace boss, started with 1,000 Arsenal fans lining Holmesdale Road to greet the champions’ two coaches.

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Ex-PM Rishi Sunak on crutches at Northallerton 10K race

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Ex-PM Rishi Sunak on crutches at Northallerton 10K race

The Richmond and Northallerton MP is normally seen in his running shoes at the annual race, joining hundreds on a route through the town.

Last year he finished the 10k route in a time of 47 minutes and 20 seconds, but this time was on crutches, watching from the sidelines as those taking part faced 24-degree heat.

Rishi Sunak MP attends Northallerton 10k (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Mr Sunak revealed last month he had hurt his leg over Easter while “showing off” to his daughters on the slopes.

Posting on social media after the accident, he said: “Pushed my luck on the slopes this Easter, showing off to my daughters.

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Rishi Sunak MP on crutches (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“I’m already on the mend and determined to keep up with my meetings and constituency work.”

The Northallerton 10K raises money for Pendragon Community Trust, with organisers saying 100 per cent of entry fees are donated to the local charity, which supports people with physical, mental and emotional difficulties and their families.

This year’s Northallerton 10k event was won by Lee Davies.

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Everything we know about Eston ‘murder’ as manhunt continues

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Everything we know about Eston 'murder' as manhunt continues

Police were called to Ayton Crescent at about 11pm on Saturday (May 23) where the victim was found with significant injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 39-year-old woman was arrested after the police helicopter was launched. She remains in police custody while police say they attempt to locate a second suspect.

Police say they are treating it as an isolated incident and there is no risk to the public.

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH/NORTHERN ECHO)

In an update at 6pm police confirmed efforts to locate the second suspect is ongoing.

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A cordon remains in place on Ayton Crescent and Mansfield Road with crime scene investigators working at the scene.

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH/NORTHERN ECHO)

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH/NORTHERN ECHO)

Superintendent Daryll Tomlinson said previously: “This is a fast-moving investigation, and we have quickly made an arrest. I would like to thank members of the public who have come forward with information, as well as the National Police Air Service for their support through the night.

“I would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public. Officers will remain at the scene in Ayton Crescent, and there will be an increased presence in the area.”

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed it attended on Saturday night.

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A spokesperson said: “We received a call at 11.22pm on Saturday to an incident at a private address on Ayton Crescent in Eston.

“Police attended the scene and we dispatched two emergency ambulance crews, a duty officer, a doctor and the Medicar.”

Anyone with information that could assist this police is asked to call 101 quoting reference SE26098497 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers

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Papa Johns shops close after owner’s vile behaviour

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Wales Online

When we asked why his takeaways had shut, Sam Ransom claimed he had just sold them for £850,000. Papa Johns told us a different story

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Pizza chain Papa Johns has cut ties with a man who owned several of its takeaways in south Wales. The shops closed after our court report from last weekend revealed the franchisee, Sam Ransom, had terrorised his ex-girlfriend and her family after she dumped him.

Ransom, 35, was handed a community order after repeatedly sneaking onto the family’s property at night to damage their cars, security lights and other items. We understand he was already on a final warning from Papa Johns following our 2022 report on how he sent vile messages calling one of his teenage employees a “loser”.

The franchisee said he owned Papa Johns shops in Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Newport, and two in Bristol.

After we published the court report, Ransom’s branches were shuttered and barricaded with steel screens by a firm that secures vacant properties.

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When we contacted Ransom for comment, he vehemently denied the closures had anything to do with his court case or with how the Papa Johns head office felt about his offences. The shops happened to be shut that week because he had just sold them for a total of £850,000, he told us, in what he claimed to be purely coincidental timing.

Ransom initially offered to provide us with proof of the supposed sale, but none materialised. And when we ran his claims by Papa Johns, the business gave a rather different version of events.

A spokesman for Papa Johns said: “Mr Ransom’s conduct fell far short of the standards and values we expect of our franchise owners and, as a result, we have terminated his franchise agreement and ended our association with him. The restaurants are temporarily closed as we actively seek new ownership.”

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Last week Ransom was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court after he was found guilty of a theft and criminal damage spree targeting his ex-partner. He was furious about the end of their long-term relationship and decided to cause havoc at her family’s Bridgend home on three consecutive weekends.

One of the victims, the father of Ransom’s ex, watched the sentencing from the public gallery. When Ransom entered the courtroom at the start of the hearing, he gave the dad a long stare and smirk.

Prosecutor Laura Thomas said the woman had been in a relationship with Ransom for around 10 years. After their breakup Ransom turned up at the home on each of the first three weekends of January 2025.

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The spree started with him ripping down a house sign that had been screwed onto the entrance to the property’s driveway. “A replacement sign was put up a few days later and that, again, was taken down and thrown into a river near the house,” said Ms Thomas.

“The defendant and another person entered the driveway multiple times on the evening of January 11. They damaged the lights that edged the driveway leading to the house, and again caused damage to the house sign.”

In that incident, Ransom and his accomplice threw stones at the property, causing damage to a downpipe and dents to the paintwork of a Kia Niro belonging to his ex-girlfriend’s brother.

The following weekend Ransom returned and again ripped off the house sign before turning his attention to his ex-partner’s Toyota Aygo.

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It was night-time and the family were in bed when they heard an “almighty bang and smashing noise”, said the prosecutor. “They called police, petrified, and a neighbour came out to check what was going on. They could see the rear window of the Toyota had been completely smashed. The two bricks that caused the damage were still lying on the driveway.”

Ransom, of Station Road in Nantybwch, Tredegar, pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal damage and one of stealing house signs and security lights, but the magistrates found him guilty of all offences. The victims made an application for £4,043 in compensation for damage.

The court heard Ransom had previous convictions, dating back to 2024, for assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing police. In that case he had received a community order.

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Ransom’s solicitor Declan McSorley said: “My client is particularly hardworking, running a series of businesses from multiple locations across south Wales. He fits his relationships into his work, which is excessive in hours, as opposed to working on relationships.”

Mr McSorley said he agreed with the probation service’s recommendation of a community order. The magistrates decided to follow that recommendation, imposing a 24-month order with rehabilitation activity, 150 hours of unpaid work, and restraining orders protecting the victims for two years each. No compensation was ordered because a civil case is anticipated.

When we approached Ransom for comment, he messaged us from a WhatsApp account with a profile picture that showed US President Donald Trump alongside the words “fake news”.

After he answered our call, we asked if he would like to express any remorse for his actions. He replied: “I can’t because I’m gonna go for a retrial.”

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Ransom claimed he was somewhere else at the time of the crimes. When we asked if he had anything to say on his previous conviction, for assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing police, he said: “I’ve got nothing to say about that one.”

In our 2022 report on Ransom’s previous controversy, we revealed one of his staff – a 17-year-old earning minimum wage – had asked for a free pizza while working an overtime shift only for Ransom to brand him a “loser”, order him to “stop looking for handouts”, brag about his own wealth, and then sack the teen.

If you would like to contact us about a story we should be investigating, email us at conor.gogarty@walesonline.co.uk

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice

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Fulham 2-0 Newcastle: Cottagers end season with a win as Eddie Howe comes in for more scrutiny

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Fulham 2-0 Newcastle: Cottagers end season with a win as Eddie Howe comes in for more scrutiny

This will have been a fitting second-off. Issa Diop’s header after Kevin’s free-kick hit the bar got the ball rolling, Cairney gave the season a rollicking finale with a lovely strike for the second, but whether Silva stays or goes, Fulham go into the summer with much to reflect upon and regret.

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County Durham MP questions Amir Ahmed Bhatti High Court case

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Amir Bhatti loses High Court appeal against Durham NHS Trust

Mark Kelly Foy, the MP for the City of Durham, said that the decision of Amir Ahmed Bhatti to take appeal his ban from clinical practice to the High Court, “leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many”.

Earlier this year, Mr Bhatti, the former clinical lead for breast services at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), asked the High Court to overturn restrictions preventing him from treating patients.

Mary Kelly Foy, City of Durham MP (Image: MARY KELLY FOY MP)

But in a judgment handed down on May 11, Deputy High Court Judge Elizabeth O’Neill ruled the trust was entitled to keep the restrictions in place because of ongoing “serious safety concerns”.

Ms Foy said: “Every single woman and family member of anyone impacted by last year’s breast surgery services scandal within County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust will be pleased to read this news. I’m sure those that I have met will be.

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Mr Amir Ahmed Bhatti (Image: SUPPLIED)

“However, I know the fact that this person is still paid while they’re suspended during the investigation leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many, and the audacity he has shown to challenge the trust’s decision to suspend him from practising speaks volumes.

“I am pleased the High Court agreed with the trust’s decisions, which it said were ‘based on patient safety concerns and ongoing investigations’.

“As the trust attempts to rebuild patient confidence following the failings, I think the new senior leadership should be applauded for showing their clear intention to focus on the importance of patient safety.”

The High Court case forms part of the fallout from a major investigation into the trust’s breast surgery service, launched after external reviews uncovered cases involving “missed cancers, unnecessary procedures and concerns about outdated clinical practices,” in what the report called “decade-long systemic failures”.

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A County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust sign (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Mr Bhatti, who has worked for the trust since 2005, was first restricted from carrying out breast cancer surgery in February 2025 following concerns raised during the breast service investigation.

However, the restrictions were widened in October 2025, preventing him from undertaking any clinical practice, including general surgery, outpatient work and multidisciplinary meetings.

In court, Nicola Newbegin and Annie Davis, representing Mr Bhatti, argued the trust had acted “irrationally” and “failed to properly follow NHS disciplinary procedures”.

They also argued there was no justification for preventing him from carrying out general surgery when the concerns related to breast services.

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In refusing the application, Judge O’Neill said the trust was entitled to take a precautionary approach while investigations remained ongoing.

The University of North Durham Hospital (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The judge concluded there was “no serious issue to be tried” in relation to the trust’s decision to maintain the restrictions and ruled that “the application is refused”.

Mr Bhatti was ordered to pay the trust’s legal costs, assessed at £47,000.

He remains employed by the trust on full pay while the wider investigation continues.

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Responding to the ruling, CDDFT chief executive Steve Russell said: “We note the outcome of the recent High Court proceedings relating to breast surgeon Mr Amir Bhatti, which found in the Trust’s favour.

“The restrictions were introduced by the Trust on patient safety grounds while investigations and patient reviews continue. We continue to believe this was the right action in light of the patient experiences we have heard and continue to hear through the review process.”

Mr Russell added the trust recognised the case may cause “further distress for affected patients and families” and said it remained “deeply sorry for the worry and upset caused”.

He said “significant changes” had been made within breast services over the past year and that improvements were “now leading to better outcomes for patients”.

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Mr Bhatti hasn’t made a statement about the most recent development surrounding the court case, but a spokesperson for the consultant previously said that “serving the best interests of all our patients is of paramount importance” and when things go wrong “, we learn from this and make the necessary changes and improvements”.

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