With Pam Bondi Fired, Lee Zeldin Could Be Tapped By Trump To Serve As Next Attorney General: Reports

LONG ISLAND, NY — With President Donald Trump firing Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday, sources indicated that he might be looking to fill the position with longtime supporter Lee Zeldin, a Long island resident.

According to the New York Times, Trump reportedly fired Bondi after dissatisfaction with her handling of the Epstein files in recent months.

And, the Associated Press said, Zeldin might be a contender for the post.

Trump, the AP added, named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the acting attorney general.

But, multiple sources, including the AP, have said that Trump is considering naming Zeldin, who currently heads up the Environmental Protection Agency, as the permanent choice.

Zeldin did not immediately return a request for comment.

Zeldin, who lives in Shirley with his wife and two daughters, represented the 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023.

He bested former Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst for the seat and later emerged victorious against Dem challenger Nancy Goroff. He later waged an unsuccessful campaign in 2022, hoping to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul.

In 2025, the Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin as administrator of the Environmental Agency.

Zeldin was confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 56 to 42, with two not voting.

"CONFIRMED! Thank you to the 56 senators for your vote and confidence," Zeldin wrote on X, adding that he was "grateful" to President Donald Tump for "having the faith in me to be part of his Cabinet as EPA Administrator."

He later added: "Honored to begin this exciting journey as the 17th EPA Administrator. Together, we will harness the greatness of American innovation with the greatness of American conservation and environmental stewardship. Time to get to work!"

President-elect Donald Trump announced in November, 2025, that he would appoint former Rep. Zeldin, a longtime supporter and political ally from Long Island, as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

In a statement after Zeldin's nomination, Trump said: "I am pleased to announce that the highly respected former Congressman from New York, Lee Zeldin, will be appointed to serve as the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet. He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way."

Trump added that he has "known Lee Zeldin for a long time, and have watched him handle, brilliantly, some extremely difficult and complex situations. I am very proud to have him in the Trump administration, where he will quickly prove to be a great contributor!"

Zeldin wrote on social media at the time: "It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. We will restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water."

He remained in support of Trump on Thursday, writing on X: "President Trump’s Peace Through Strength leadership exemplifies the might and brilliance of the U.S. military while setting the stage for what could finally be lasting peace."

According to his bio, at 23, Zeldin was the youngest attorney in New York State at the time, Trump said. He served four years of active duty in the U.S. Army as military intelligence officer, prosecutor, and military magistrate. In 2006, he deployed to Iraq and today still serves in the U.S. Reserve.

Zeldin was elected to the NYS Senate in 2010, where he served until elected to Congress in 2014. During eight years in Congress, Zeldin served on the House foreign affairs committee and the House financial services committee. He co-chaired the House Republican Israel Caucus.Zeldin's platform has long been built on the pillars of foreign policy, border security, military affairs, combating antisemitism, environmental issues, and energy.

Locally on Long Island, he has long fought to preserve Plum Island and protect is rich environmental resources — and advocated for veterans.

Zeldin's political ties with Trump have long run deep. In 2022, Zeldin, a Republican received the official endorsement of Trump in his race for the governor's seat against Democratic incumbent Hochul.

Trump's endorsement at the time praised his longtime political ally.

"I have watched and known Congressman Lee Zeldin for many years. He is a great and brilliant lawyer who was a 'must see' for others in Congress when they had a complex legal problem that was holding up legislation. Lee was strong on the Border, Crime, our great Military & Vets (like few others!), and fought hard to protect our 2nd Amendment, and succeeded. Lee Zeldin is a WINNER who GOT THINGS DONE. He will be a GREAT Governor of New York, and has my Complete & Total Endorsement. GOOD LUCK LEE!"

Zeldin has been a staunch Trump supporter on Long Island for years. He was included in the immigration forum Trump held on Long Island that focused on eradicating gang violence.

Donald Trump Jr. was a guest at a Zeldin fundraiser, and Zeldin has greeted the president as he landed on the East End for fundraising events.