Todd Blanche confirmed as U.S. attorney general in narrow Senate vote
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Todd Blanche was confirmed as the 88th U.S. attorney general by a 50-49 Senate vote, with two Republican senators joining Democrats in opposition.
Todd Blanche, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, was confirmed as the United States attorney general early Saturday after a 50-49 vote in the Senate. Only two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against the nomination, joining all Democrats.
The vote took place after midnight during a session that extended into the early hours before a scheduled Senate recess. Blanche thanked President Trump and the Senate in a post on X, saying he was honored to lead the Department of Justice and grateful for the senators’ late-night effort.
His confirmation had been uncertain due to concerns over his role in a controversial settlement that created a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals who claimed government overreach, including some charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Blanche also approved provisions granting Trump, his family and businesses immunity from tax audits. After receiving assurances, including an order rescinding the fund, several Republican holdouts voted in favor.
Critics, including Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, argued that Blanche’s long-standing relationship with Trump could compromise the independence of the Justice Department. Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson warned that there were “no guardrails” to limit potential political use of the department.
Blanche assumed the role of acting attorney general in April after President Trump dismissed former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Justice Department has since faced scrutiny over high-profile actions, such as the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.