Pam Bondi, a prominent figure in President Donald Trump's administration, has navigated a challenging period marked by a significant health diagnosis, a departure from a high-profile federal legal office, and a new advisory role within the White House. Bondi, 60, confirmed to CNN on Wednesday, May 27, that she received a thyroid cancer diagnosis shortly after stepping down from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in early April 2026. She has already commenced treatment, undergoing a surgical procedure several weeks prior, and stated she is "doing well" in her recovery.
"Pam has been quietly kicking cancer’s ass the last few weeks." — Katie Miller, Conservative Podcaster and Former Trump Official
The public became aware of Bondi's health battle following a post on X by conservative podcaster and former Trump official Katie Miller. Miller's post, which went live on Tuesday, stated, "Pam has been quietly kicking cancer’s ass the last few weeks." Miller, who is married to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, also lauded Bondi as a woman with "a heart of gold." Prior to Miller's social media amplification, Axios had initially reported the cancer news, citing a source with direct knowledge of Bondi’s medical situation.
Bondi's health news emerged concurrently with the announcement of her new appointment to a significant White House body. President Donald Trump selected Bondi to join the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This council, described by the administration as a gathering of the nation’s foremost minds in science and technology, directly counsels the President. PCAST operates under the joint leadership of White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks and White House science adviser Michael Kratsios. Bondi's specific mandate on the council will involve facilitating coordination between federal government officials and technology sector executives who are also members of the panel.
Her departure from the Department of Justice in early April 2026 saw Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche assume the role of acting attorney general. Upon announcing Bondi's exit from the DOJ, President Trump publicly celebrated her tenure on Truth Social. President Trump wrote, "Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900." He further praised her, calling her "a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend," and indicated her transition to "a much needed and important new role in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future."
Bondi, in turn, expressed her gratitude to President Trump on X following her DOJ departure. "I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again," she posted. She also outlined her immediate plans, stating, "Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche before moving to an important private sector role I am thrilled about, and where I will continue fighting for President Trump and this Administration." Bondi characterized her accomplishments during her leadership of the nation’s top law enforcement agency as "the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history."
Bondi's cancer disclosure places her among several figures within the Trump administration who have faced significant health challenges recently. This includes Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who publicly announced a breast cancer diagnosis in March. In addition to her new White House role and health recovery, Bondi is also scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee this Friday. The committee's inquiry is focused on matters related to the late financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
