On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as the new attorney general, delivering a major win for President Donald Trump. Blanche, a former personal lawyer to Trump, secured approval despite controversy surrounding a $1.8 billion slush fund.

The confirmation vote was tightly contested, with the Republican-led Senate passing the nomination 50-49. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche, while two other Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against him. Every Democrat in the Senate rejected Blanche’s nomination.

With this confirmation, Blanche will now lead the nation’s law enforcement apparatus, solidifying Trump’s influence over the Department of Justice.

Sources

Guardian US