Sen. Bill Cassidy Endorses Controversial Trump Nominee Todd Blanche for Attorney General, Ignoring Widespread Opposition
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Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy has thrown his support behind Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, all but ensuring confirmation for a Trump loyalist despite resistance from two moderate GOP senators and unanimous Democratic opposition.
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced on the Senate floor that he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, a move that is expected to hand the Trump administration yet another victory in stacking the government with loyalists. Blanche, who has been acting attorney general since President Trump abruptly ousted Pam Bondi in April, was nominated by Trump in June, continuing the administration’s pattern of installing allies in key positions.
"Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche," Cassidy said, downplaying the nominee’s serious ethical lapses. "It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump."
Cassidy’s endorsement virtually guarantees Blanche’s confirmation, as Republicans control the Senate and only two GOP senators—Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—have dared to break ranks. All Democrats stand united in opposition, recognizing the grave risks posed by Blanche’s record.
Blanche’s nomination has been dogged by scandal, including his approval of a $1.8 billion so-called “anti-weaponization” fund, a slush fund for those claiming persecution by the federal government, and a tax-audit immunity agreement for Trump and his family—an egregious abuse of power. Cassidy, who once voted to convict Trump, acknowledged Blanche’s "poor judgment" but excused it as being "criticized for things over which he has no control," minimizing the nominee’s responsibility.
During his confirmation hearing, Blanche claimed the fund was terminated and the tax-immunity directive rescinded, moves clearly timed to placate Judiciary Committee Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who then backed his nomination. The committee advanced Blanche to the full Senate on a strictly party-line vote, highlighting the hyper-partisan nature of the process.
Blanche also faced scrutiny for the Justice Department’s mishandling of over three million pages of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and his questionable meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s notorious associate. Blanche admitted to releasing unredacted victim information and said he met with survivors, though some described the meeting as a "check-the-box exercise" designed to win votes rather than deliver justice.
The Senate is set to consider several GOP priorities on Friday before a five-week recess, and it remains unclear whether Blanche’s rushed confirmation will be forced through during that session, as it would require Democrats to consent to expedite the vote.