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, a Trump loyalist and one-time personal attorney, had been serving as acting attorney general prior to his confirmation.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche after two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, opposed the nomination. All Senate Democrats rejected Blanche’s nomination.

Blanche’s confirmation came after weeks of uncertainty and pushback, particularly from Republican senators concerned about the Justice Department’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 that the choice was between Blanche and an acting attorney general who might not effectively lead the department under President 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 indicted former FBI director James Comey twice, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, cases viewed by some experts as weak.

Additionally, concerns were raised about Blanche’s secret meeting with Ghislane Maxwell before her transfer to a minimum-security prison camp. Former official Kelly stated, “The Attorney General should serve the American people, not the president’s wish list.”

Despite the controversies, Blanche’s confirmation solidifies his position as the nation’s top law enforcement official.

Sources