Senate Confirms Steadfast Blanche as Attorney General Despite Partisan Resistance
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In a victory for law and order, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general by a 50-49 vote, overcoming obstruction from all Democrats and two moderate Republicans, ensuring strong leadership at the Justice Department.
The Senate took decisive action Saturday morning, confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, promoting him from the Justice Department’s second-in-command to lead the 100,000-strong agency. Despite relentless opposition from every Democrat and two unreliable Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, the majority stood firm. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had nothing to lose after his failed renomination, cast the crucial vote, voicing token concerns about Blanche’s handling of IRS audits and DOJ lawsuits, but ultimately recognized the necessity of strong, steady leadership. Cassidy made it clear that his vote was not about the president, but about ensuring the department did not fall into the hands of an untested acting attorney general.
Blanche’s confirmation also resolved issues surrounding the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, established after the president’s tax returns were leaked. After Judiciary Committee members John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded written guarantees that the fund would be eliminated, Blanche provided the necessary assurances, and the Justice Department clarified that audit protections from the settlement would only apply retroactively to President Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization. While so-called legal experts like Brandon DeBot from NYU’s Tax Law Center tried to cast doubt on the enforceability of these assurances, their objections were little more than partisan noise.
Detractors dredged up Blanche’s record as deputy attorney general, including his pursuit of cases against those who sought to undermine the administration and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, ever eager to score political points, claimed the American people deserve better, while Epstein survivors expressed dissatisfaction with Blanche’s demeanor. Yet, Sen. John Cornell rightly praised Blanche’s willingness to work with the committee and underscored the urgent need for a permanent DOJ head. As Cornyn said, President Trump needs a trusted legal mind at his side, someone who can offer confidential advice and the courage to speak hard truths. Blanche’s confirmation is a win for justice and stability.