NPR News: 04-02-2026 4PM EDT

Attorney General Pam Bondi was removed from her position at the Justice Department amid ongoing criticism from the White House over her handling of Epstein-related files. Last year, Bondi invited influencers and MAGA figures to review binders of Epstein documents she provided; they emerged saying the materials were old and already public. Bondi then appeared on Fox News claiming she had an Epstein client list on her desk for review, but the DOJ clarified no such list existed, sparking a major PR setback from which she did not recover. President Trump praised her on social media as a "great patriot and loyal friend." Her deputy, Todd Blanche, steps in as acting attorney general.

In a video posted to the White House YouTube page, President Trump stated the government cannot fund programs like Medicare and childcare due to the ongoing war with Iran, now in its fifth week. Trump emphasized prioritizing military security over "daycare," arguing federal resources are stretched. The video was quickly removed, though polls were cited as a factor in public reaction; the White House did not respond to NPR's request for comment on the deletion. This candid remark highlights fiscal tensions tied to the conflict.