Images of former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s official portraits lying in a Department of Justice trash can surfaced online Friday, marking a symbolic conclusion to her turbulent tenure. The photos, which began circulating on social media on April 3, 2026, show two framed pictures of Bondi discarded in a plastic-lined waste bin inside the Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C.
The discovery comes just two days after President Donald Trump removed Bondi from her position on April 2, 2026. Bondi’s dismissal followed months of reported friction within the administration, primarily centered on her handling of sensitive files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
White House officials had previously expressed frustration over a perceived lack of progress on high-priority legal matters under her watch. The Department of Justice has not issued an official statement regarding the disposal of the portraits, yet the images have ignited widespread discussion among political observers and on social platforms.
While the removal of a cabinet official’s likeness from agency halls is standard procedure following a departure, the manner in which these portraits were discarded is considered highly unusual. Todd Blanche, who served as Bondi’s chief deputy, is currently leading the department as Acting Attorney General while a permanent successor is sought.
President Trump is reportedly vetting Lee Zeldin, the current Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as a permanent replacement for the role. Zeldin is a staunch ally of the president and has recently overseen major deregulatory initiatives at the EPA. The transition at the Justice Department occurs as the administration manages several major domestic and international issues.
Bondi, previously the Attorney General of Florida, was confirmed as the 87th U.S. Attorney General in February 2025. Her tenure was defined by significant shifts in federal law enforcement priorities before ending abruptly this week. As of Friday afternoon, Bondi's portraits were no longer visible in the public areas of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.