The United States Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next attorney general on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a contentious nomination process marked by opposition from a handful of Republican senators.

The confirmation vote was close, with a 50-49 tally. Every Democrat voted in favor, joined by two Republicans, including Maine Senator John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. Both Republicans had initially hesitated to support Blanche due to concerns over a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. They demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought revisions to an Internal Revenue Service settlement to ensure that audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family did not extend beyond the plaintiffs.

The DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, but Cornyn returned it, arguing that the demands had not been met. This disagreement delayed the Senate Judiciary Committee's markup scheduled for July 30, which was postponed by Chairman Chuck Grassley because Cornyn had not reached a deal with Blanche.

Blanche, who became acting attorney general on April 2 after Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced criticism from more than 1,200 former DOJ employees who opposed his nomination, claiming he had undermined the department's independence.

During Blanche's July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned him about the possibility of reviving the fund, highlighting ongoing concerns.

Separately, Representative Ruben Gallego announced he would miss several votes on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to be with his wife during an emergency.

Despite the opposition and delays, Blanche's nomination was ultimately advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmed by the full Senate.

Sources