On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, marking a significant victory for former President Donald Trump. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, had been acting attorney general before the confirmation vote.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche after Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed the nomination. Every Democrat in the Senate rejected Blanche’s nomination.

Blanche’s confirmation followed weeks of uncertainty and pushback, particularly from Republican senators concerned about 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.

Cassidy acknowledged Blanche’s imperfections but argued the choice was between Blanche and another acting attorney general who might not manage the department effectively 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 had "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 of Justice indicted former FBI director James Comey twice, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, cases some experts view as weak.

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice, 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.”

The confirmation comes despite ongoing controversy over the nearly $2 billion fund, which some critics say could have rewarded January 6 protesters, a matter that was reportedly only paused due to the pending nomination and Senate leverage.

Sources