On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, marking a significant victory for former President Donald Trump. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, will now lead the Department of Justice.

The Republican-led Senate voted 50-49 in favor of Blanche's confirmation. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote after Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed the nomination. Every Democrat in the Senate rejected Blanche’s nomination.

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general prior to the confirmation vote, which followed weeks of uncertainty. His nomination faced criticism from some Republican senators due to the Department of Justice’s agreement to establish a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and provisions granting tax immunity to Trump, his sons, and his businesses.

Senator Cassidy acknowledged Blanche’s imperfections but argued that the choice was between Blanche and another acting attorney general who might not effectively manage the department under Trump. He stated, “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, saying Senate Republicans have "handed Trump an excuse on a silver platter" to continue what he described as "pervasive, breathtaking misconduct."

During Blanche’s tenure as deputy and acting attorney general, the department indicted former FBI director James Comey twice, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, though experts have viewed these cases as weak.

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice under Blanche, stating, “Mr Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation.”

This confirmation solidifies Blanche’s position at the helm of the nation’s law enforcement apparatus despite ongoing controversy.

Sources