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 head of the Justice Department.

Blanche's confirmation faced significant opposition. All Senate Democrats, along with Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against his nomination. His path to confirmation was cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support.

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

Blanche expressed gratitude following the vote, stating on social media that he was "deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice."

The confirmation comes as President Trump faces multiple legal challenges, including a criminal case in New York related to a $130,000 "hush money" payment made before the 2016 election, and two federal cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith concerning alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential transition and handling of sensitive government documents.

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

Sources