_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
In a bombshell new report, nearly two dozen officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Attorney General Pam Bondi has ceded much ground in running her department to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and other White House staff.
The report describes Bondi as a "faithful executor" who focuses on TV appearances and messaging rather than department strategy.
While Bondi earned a reputation as a tough prosecutor during her tenure as Florida attorney general, sources claim she now adopts a performative approach that prioritizes executing White House directives and maintaining favor with President Donald Trump.
_THE FACTS_
One former DOJ official described Bondi as "like an actor," being the face of the department without controlling high-level decisions.
In February, she distributed files relating to Jeffrey Epstein that contained no new information.
After facing backlash over the files being a dud, Bondi dispatched FBI agents and national security prosecutors to search for more information, finding little of value.
Bondi has made at least three dozen Fox News appearances since taking office in February.
Former Justice Department official Edward Whelan stated he "can't recall an attorney general who seemed willing to be subordinate to White House staffers."
Bondi's attempt to nominate Florida sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the DEA was opposed by Miller, forcing Chronister to withdraw his nomination.
Trump ally Laura Loomer has been particularly critical of Bondi, calling her a "liar" half a dozen times.
Miller has been an extremely influential figure in both Trump administrations and is reportedly being considered for the position of national security adviser.
_INSIGHTS_
The media frames this arrangement as scandalous, but it arguably represents exactly what many Trump supporters voted for.
Miller has been extremely hawkish on immigration policy, often leading the charge on some of the Trump administration’s toughest policies, like using the Alien Enemies Act to justify mass deportations.
Trump may also want Miller calling the shots due to feeling disappointed by both his previous attorneys general, Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr. This is not to say that he does not trust Bondi — but with Miller informally overseeing operations at DOJ, the president can ensure a close ally and ruthless political operator is pushing through his agenda.
