The firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem could spell problems for Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose future has come into question following President Donald Trump's decision to cut a member of his Cabinet after Republican lawmakers expressed concerns, Politico reported Friday.
Bondi has come under fire for her handling of the Epstein files, as congressional leaders have questioned her leadership of the Department of Justice over the last several weeks.
"As many as 20 Republicans might be prepared to back an effort to render punishment against the nation’s top prosecutor for slowwalking the materials’ release, according to the Democrat helping lead the charge," according to Politico.
The move comes as five Republicans sided with Democrats this week to subpoena Bondi, who will soon be forced to testify before a House committee.
And for now, the White House has said it's behind its attorney general. During a public event with Inter Miami on Thursday, Trump even praised Bondi.
"She's proving how tough she is, and I think the next three years she's gonna really prove it, right?" Trump said.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson had a similar sentiment in a statement for Politico.
“Attorney General Pam Bondi has worked tirelessly to successfully implement the President’s law and order agenda,” Jackson said. “The President has full faith in the Attorney General.”
Now that Noem has been demoted to Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, Democrats could be ready to focus their energy on Bondi next, "now that Noem is no longer a top political target."
It's unclear whether Bondi will maintain the same influence and support among GOP lawmakers, said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), who voted for Bondi to be subpoenaed.
“She’s in the batter’s box. I’d say … let her hit," Burchett said.
