WASHINGTON — Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, was set for confirmation on Friday, August 7, 2026, as the US attorney general after Senate Republicans dismissed Democratic concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice.

Blanche, who has been serving as acting attorney general, previously represented Trump in several criminal trials and was part of his legal defense team in two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith. These cases involved allegations of mishandling classified documents after Trump left the White House and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Both cases were dropped following Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Two senators from Trump's party initially opposed Blanche's confirmation, casting doubt on his prospects. However, Senator Bill Cassidy later announced his support on live television, likely securing Blanche's confirmation by a narrow margin.

Democrats have opposed Blanche from the outset, accusing Trump of turning the Justice Department into a political tool. Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated on Tuesday, "The attorney general is supposed to be the people's lawyer. Mr Blanche continues to operate as the president's personal lawyer."

Blanche's appointment has sparked debate over the independence of the Justice Department, with Trump known for seeking to exert direct control over nominally independent government agencies.

Sources