President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her role, a move that could have significant implications for federal marijuana policy as the administration weighs a long-awaited decision on cannabis rescheduling.
In a statement posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Bondi as a “Great American Patriot” and credited her with overseeing a nationwide reduction in crime. He said she will transition to a private-sector role, though no details were immediately provided.
The shake-up comes amid reports that Trump has grown frustrated with Bondi’s leadership at the U.S. Department of Justice, including her handling of sensitive investigative matters. According to The New York Times, the president has privately discussed replacing her with Lee Zeldin, the current administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The potential leadership change arrives at a pivotal moment for cannabis policy. More than three months ago, Trump directed Bondi to expedite the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. That process remains incomplete, raising questions about whether new leadership could accelerate—or complicate—the effort.
Bondi, who previously opposed cannabis reform while serving as Florida’s attorney general, has long been viewed as cautious on the issue. Zeldin’s record, however, is mixed. During his tenure in Congress, he opposed broad legalization measures but supported certain protections for state medical marijuana programs and backed legislation to expand banking access for cannabis businesses.
At the same time, Zeldin has voted against measures to expand recreational cannabis protections and has expressed skepticism about aspects of legalization. During his 2022 run for governor of New York, he criticized state regulators for prioritizing dispensary licenses for individuals with prior marijuana convictions and voiced opposition to drug consumption sites.
Advocacy group NORML gave Zeldin a “C-” rating on cannabis policy, reflecting his inconsistent positions over time.
For now, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general while a permanent replacement is considered. During his confirmation process, Blanche indicated he had not fully studied marijuana rescheduling but pledged to consult with stakeholders.
Despite the uncertainty, Trump has reiterated his support for reclassifying cannabis. Whether that goal advances quickly—or stalls—may depend on who ultimately takes the helm at the Justice Department.
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