Ask Onix
Diagnosis revealed after departure from Justice Department
Pam Bondi, who was dismissed as U.S. Attorney General last month, has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, CBS News reported on Thursday. The 60-year-old confirmed she is receiving treatment, including surgery performed several weeks ago.
Treatment and professional commitments
Despite her diagnosis, Bondi remains active in her career. She is set to join the White House's newly formed Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which focuses on artificial intelligence and broader tech policy.
Former White House adviser Katie Miller praised Bondi on social media, stating she has been "quietly kicking cancer's ass" in recent weeks and describing her as someone with "a heart of gold."
Prognosis and medical outlook
Thyroid cancer typically has a high survival rate, with over 98% of patients alive five years after diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most forms are treatable and often curable, though Bondi's specific cancer stage has not been disclosed.
New role in Trump administration
Bondi's appointment to PCAST marks her first public role since leaving the Justice Department in early April. She had previously indicated plans to transition to the private sector but will now contribute to the administration's science and technology agenda.
"Pam has been an enormously valuable asset to the president's team, and I'm thrilled for her and for all of us that she's going to remain involved in confronting some of the most important issues the administration faces."
Vice President JD Vance
Background on PCAST
President Donald Trump established the council via executive order in January 2025, tasking it with advising the government on science and technology leadership. The first members, announced in March 2026, include prominent figures like Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
Upcoming testimony and political scrutiny
Bondi, a longtime Trump ally, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee this Friday regarding her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Both she and Trump have faced bipartisan criticism over the Justice Department's release of the documents, with some lawmakers alleging key files were withheld from public view.
Recent cabinet departures
Bondi is the fourth member of Trump's cabinet to leave this year. Others include former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who cited her husband's bone cancer diagnosis as the reason for her resignation last week.
