Republican Senator Bill Cassidy declared on Friday, August 7th, 2026, that he would support Todd Blanche for attorney general, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s controversial nominee. Cassidy’s backing comes after weeks of debate over the Justice Department’s independence from the White House.

Cassidy emerged as the likely deciding vote following Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska’s announcement that she would oppose Blanche’s nomination, leaving the confirmation on the edge.

Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since April and previously managed the Justice Department’s daily operations as its second-ranking official, has been a focal point of concern across party lines. Critics have questioned his independence, citing his leadership in opening investigations into Trump’s critics, prompting a departure of career prosecutors, and the department’s declaration that it serves at the president’s direction—actions seen as breaking long-standing norms of independence.

Cassidy criticized Blanche’s involvement in settling Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which granted tax immunity to Trump and his family businesses and established a now-abandoned $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies. Despite these criticisms, Cassidy expressed trust in Blanche’s ability to provide the president with candid legal advice.

The nomination fight marked one of the most contentious cabinet battles of Trump’s second term, culminating in this pivotal endorsement that could secure Blanche’s confirmation.

Sources