The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, marking a significant victory for President Donald Trump. The Republican-led Senate voted 50–49, with Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposing the nomination.

Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general, is now fully empowered to lead the Justice Department. His confirmation caps one of the most divisive cabinet fights of Trump's second term, amid bipartisan worries about Blanche's independence and his close ties to the president.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche, stating on the Senate floor that while Blanche is "not perfect," he is preferable to another acting attorney general who might not effectively run the department under Trump.

Blanche faced criticism for the Justice Department's creation of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," which was designed to compensate individuals who felt mistreated by the criminal justice system, including some involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Under pressure, Blanche promised in writing to abandon this fund and to rein in provisions shielding Trump and his family from IRS tax audits.

During his 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, cases some experts consider weak. Senator Collins cited actions by Blanche that she said have "further eroded the department’s independence" as reasons for her opposition.

Blanche has defended Trump against criminal charges brought by the Biden administration's Justice Department, describing his experience as revealing what he views as the weaponization of the justice system against the former president.

On social media, Blanche expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Trump and thanked senators for confirming him despite the late hour.

The confirmation vote reflects deep divisions within the Senate and the Justice Department, highlighting ongoing tensions over the department's role and independence during Trump's presidency.

Sources