Pam Bondi portrait in trash? DOJ responds after viral photo sparks row

Amid Pam Bondi's departure, the DOJ addresses viral image of her portrait in a bin.

Updated on: Apr 4, 2026, 10:34:53 IST

By Prakriti Deb

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The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has pushed back against claims that former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s official portrait was discarded in a trash can, after an image showing the same went viral online following her sudden exit from office.

The controversy began after a photo appeared to show Bondi’s framed portrait placed inside a bin at DOJ headquarters. (X)

The controversy began after a photo appeared to show Bondi’s framed portrait placed inside a bin at DOJ headquarters. The image gained traction across social media, drawing reactions and fuelling speculation about internal tensions within the department.

DOJ dismisses viral claim

Responding to the reports, the DOJ’s Rapid Response account posted two photos captioned: “Fake News vs. Real News.”

Also Read: Kash Patel, FBI director, next in Trump's firing line after Pam Bondi: Report

The brief response indicated that Bondi's photo being thrown into trash might be “fake news” but officials did not clarify or provide any further details on the same.

Bondi’s abrupt exit

Bondi’s departure was announced by Donald Trump on Thursday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised her as “a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend,” adding that she had overseen a significant drop in crime and would be moving to a private-sector role.

He also confirmed that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche would take over as acting attorney general.

However, the announcement did not specify a reason for her removal.

Her exit comes amid mounting scrutiny over the DOJ’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Also Read: Pam Bondi gets roasted by ‘South Park’ after firing: ‘You’ve got some s--t on your nose'

Bondi reacts to departure

Bondi addressed her exit in a post on X, stating that she would assist in ensuring a smooth transition. “Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche,” she wrote.

She described her time leading the department as “the honor of a lifetime” and said she remained “eternally grateful” to Trump for the opportunity.

With Blanche now serving in an acting capacity, attention is shifting to who may be appointed permanently to lead the DOJ. Reports have floated several potential contenders, including senior administration figures.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Prakriti Deb
Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense of being through storytelling in all its forms, including conversations, painting, theatre, dance and photography. She appreciates discussions that challenge her perspective and help her see the world a little differently.Read More

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