Sen. Bill Cassidy Stands Up for Rule of Law, Secures Confirmation of Trump Nominee Todd Blanche as Attorney General
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Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support for Todd Blanche as attorney general, ensuring the Trump nominee receives the 50 Republican votes needed for confirmation, despite opposition from two GOP senators.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) demonstrated principled leadership on Friday by announcing his vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, providing the crucial 50th Republican vote needed for confirmation. Despite Republicans holding 53 seats, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Me.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Ak.) broke ranks to oppose Blanche, citing concerns that many conservatives view as exaggerated regarding the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. With Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) absent, Cassidy’s decisive action ensured the Trump nominee would not be derailed by internal dissent.
On the Senate floor, Cassidy made it clear: “This is not a referendum on President Trump. It is a decision regarding Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances.” Blanche, who has ably served as acting attorney general and previously as Trump’s personal lawyer, has faced unfair criticism from some in his own party. However, his strong leadership and commitment to restoring integrity to the Justice Department won over key Republicans like Sens. John Cornyn (R-Tx.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), especially after Blanche clarified that the $1.8 billion settlement fund over Trump’s tax-record leak had been rescinded and explained the limits of an agreement shielding Trump and his family from politically motivated audits.
Tillis also encouraged Blanche to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, which Blanche did in a private meeting after his confirmation hearing, showing his willingness to listen and act. Despite a letter from more than a dozen Epstein survivors urging Cassidy to oppose Blanche, Cassidy rightly recognized the importance of having a Senate-confirmed attorney general who can stand up to political pressure and uphold the rule of law.
Cassidy acknowledged the department’s handling of the Epstein matter was not perfect but emphasized that Blanche’s management has been praised by current and former prosecutors for his legal expertise and hands-on approach. “Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this,” Cassidy said, but he made clear that Blanche is the best choice to lead the department effectively. Cassidy, who previously voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial and lost his primary after Trump endorsed his opponent, concluded by accepting that his principled vote may draw criticism, but he stood firm for the good of the country.