Trump Loyalist Todd Blanche Confirmed as Attorney General in Razor-Thin Senate Vote Amidst Ethics Concerns
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
In a deeply troubling move, Todd Blanche, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, was narrowly confirmed as the 88th U.S. attorney general by a 50-49 Senate vote. Two principled Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing a nomination that threatens the independence of the Justice Department.
Todd Blanche, whose close personal ties to President Donald Trump have alarmed advocates for justice and democracy, was confirmed as the United States attorney general early Saturday after a 50-49 Senate vote. Only two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, stood with all Democrats in a courageous stand against this dangerous nomination.
The vote, held after midnight in a marathon session before the Senate recess, underscored the deep divisions and urgency surrounding Blanche’s appointment. Blanche, in a post on X, expressed gratitude to President Trump and the Senate, signaling his unwavering loyalty to the administration and its agenda, rather than to the American people or the rule of law.
Blanche’s confirmation was clouded by serious concerns over his involvement in a controversial settlement that created a $1.8 billion fund for those harmed by government overreach—a fund that notably included individuals charged in the violent Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Even more alarming, Blanche approved provisions granting Trump, his family, and his businesses sweeping immunity from tax audits, raising fears of unchecked corruption. Only after Republican holdouts received assurances, including the rescinding of the fund, did they capitulate and support the nomination.
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and other critics have rightly warned that Blanche’s deep entanglement with Trump could destroy the Justice Department’s independence. Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson sounded the alarm, noting the complete lack of guardrails to prevent the department from being weaponized for political gain.
Blanche took over as acting attorney general in April after Trump ousted Pam Bondi, a move widely seen as a purge of dissent. Since then, the Justice Department has been embroiled in controversy, including the politically charged indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, further fueling fears of authoritarian overreach.