Attorney General Pam Bondi has fired the top ethics lawyer at the Department of Justice (DOJ), sparking new criticism and raising questions about the department’s internal oversight.
The dismissal was first reported by multiple outlets, including Rolling Stone and Newsweek. According to reports, Bondi personally removed the ethics chief as part of what some are calling a broader purge of key personnel at the DOJ.
The fired official had reportedly been advising on sensitive matters, including cases involving former President Donald Trump and the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein-related investigations.
In a statement, the dismissed lawyer expressed concern about the DOJ’s current direction, saying the department is “abandoning essential ethical guardrails.” He also warned of potential conflicts of interest arising from recent leadership decisions.
This move comes as Bondi faces public backlash over her handling of Epstein-related files. According to CNN, her office has been criticized for delays and alleged mismanagement of critical documents, including parts of Epstein’s client list and suicide memo.
Legal experts and ethics watchdogs have voiced concern that the firing may weaken internal checks within the DOJ. Some fear it could hinder efforts to maintain ethical accountability in ongoing high-profile investigations.
The Justice Department has not released an official comment regarding the firing beyond confirming the personnel change.
Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General and close Trump ally, was appointed to lead the DOJ following a political shift in the current administration. Her recent actions have fueled debate over the balance between loyalty and independence in the justice system.
