Two Prominent Republicans Rumored As Potential Replacement For Attorney General Pam Bondi

There are growing rumors about a serious conflict between FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi, which might lead to Bondi being fired or stepping down. Sources close to Bongino say it’s a matter of either him or Bondi leaving—he reportedly won’t stay at the FBI if she remains at the Justice Department.

Following a confrontation with Bondi, Bongino took a day off work, and it’s unclear if he plans to return. Investigative journalist Laura Loomer shared that Bongino is deeply unhappy with how Bondi has handled the Epstein files and her overall lack of transparency.

If Bondi is removed, two names are being floated as possible replacements: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Loomer noted that while DeSantis has been considered for the AG role for some time, some GOP donors are quietly backing Paxton, though he also has Senate ambitions.

Loomer, a vocal critic of Bondi, has called for her resignation multiple times, arguing that Bondi has been ineffective as Attorney General and has become a liability for the Trump administration. Loomer has gained influence in Trump’s circle recently and was reportedly instrumental in pushing out some national security officials.

There’s also speculation that former Congressman Matt Gaetz could be appointed as AG via a recess appointment, a move that wouldn’t require Senate confirmation. However, to serve in an acting role, the person usually needs to already be part of the department, making Gaetz’s appointment more complicated.

The idea of a recess appointment comes from the Constitution, which allows the president to fill vacancies when the Senate is in recess for at least 10 days. However, the Senate often holds short “pro forma” sessions to avoid a formal recess, making such appointments tricky. For a recess appointment to happen, both the Senate and House would have to agree to a break, or the president could try to adjourn both chambers himself—a move with no historical precedent.

Recess appointees don’t get Senate confirmation benefits, such as a salary, and can only serve for up to two years before needing reappointment or confirmation.

In summary, tensions within the DOJ and FBI over Bondi’s role have sparked rumors about her possible replacement, with political maneuvers and constitutional rules shaping how such a transition might occur.