A Truth Social message posted by President Donald Trump on September 20 urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against former FBI director James Comey was meant to be a private message to Bondi, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing officials familiar with the matter.
In the post, Trump had urged Bondi to take action against former FBI Director James Comey and other figures, saying it cannot be delayed.
“We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility,” Trump wrote.
Trump believed he had sent the message directly to Bondi, addressing it to “Pam,” and was surprised to learn it was publicly visible, per the report.
Bondi reportedly contacted Trump and White House aides to express frustration over the incident.
Trump then posted a second message publicly praising Bondi, saying she was doing a “GREAT job.”
“The misfire provided a window into how, through command and chaos, Trump has executed a wholesale transformation of the Department of Justice,” the report noted.
Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation, with his trial set for January 2026.
Trump critics call the case politically motivated, describing it as part of a broader effort to target his opponents and undermine justice department norms.
The report led to strong reactions on social media.
Podcaster and former Obama advisor Dan Pfeiffer wrote on the social platform X: “I know everyone on this site cares passionately about the information security habits of top Government officials, but the President of the United States communicating with his cabinet via Truth Social direct message is both insane and a violation of the Presidential Records Act.”
Podcaster Tim Miller wrote: “Pundit accountability: I said it was just Trump being weird and not an errant DM. He’s even stupider than a TDS inflicted podcaster realizes. We regret the error.”
Former Trump official Miles Taylor said: “Well, this is definitely going to help Comey’s defense.”
Author Adam Cochran wrote: “When will Republicans grow a spine?!? How long until Truth Social gets hacked and Trump’s official state business is everywhere because of DMs?!”