On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, delivering a major win for President Donald Trump. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney, had been acting attorney general prior to the 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 confirmation.

Blanche's nomination faced opposition due to the Justice Department's plan to establish a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and to grant 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 effectively lead the department under President Trump.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, stating that 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, cases experts consider weak.

Additionally, former Attorney General Kelly stated that Blanche "met with Ghislaine Maxwell in secret" before her transfer to a minimum-security prison camp, emphasizing that "The Attorney General should serve the American people, not the president’s wish list."

Despite the controversies, Blanche's confirmation solidifies Trump's influence over the nation's top law enforcement office.

Sources