Washington — Early on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote, installing President Trump's former defense lawyer as the head of the Justice Department. Blanche's confirmation faced resistance from Democrats and some Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who voted against his nomination.

Blanche's path to confirmation cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support. Shortly after the vote, Blanche expressed gratitude on social media, stating he was "deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice."

During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche addressed concerns about the Justice Department's creation of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund designed to provide payouts to individuals alleging they were wronged by the federal government. He told senators the fund was "dead" and that the department was "not moving forward" with the program amid strong opposition.

Blanche's confirmation comes as President Trump faces multiple legal challenges, including a criminal case in New York state court related to a $130,000 "hush money" payment made before the 2016 election, and two federal cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith. These federal cases involve allegations of efforts to subvert the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election and the handling of sensitive government documents following Trump's first term.

Supporters hailed Blanche's confirmation as "a huge win for President Trump and our country," emphasizing his "unwavering commitment to law and order." Critics, however, have voiced concerns about actions that they say have "further eroded the Department's independence."

Sources