The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, in a 50–49 vote. Blanche, a close ally and former personal lawyer of President Donald Trump, becomes the second confirmed Attorney General since Trump returned to the White House last year. The confirmation caps one of the most divisive cabinet fights of Trump's second term, with concerns raised by both Republicans and Democrats about Blanche's independence from the White House.

Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the two Republicans who opposed the nomination. Murkowski expressed concern over a nearly $2 billion "anti-weaponization fund" proposed by the Department of Justice, which she said could have rewarded January 6 protesters, and warned that the fund's fate was uncertain once Blanche was confirmed. Collins criticized Blanche for actions she said eroded the department's independence.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche, stating that while Blanche is not perfect, he was a better choice than the alternative acting attorney general, particularly in effectively running the department under President Trump.

During his tenure as deputy and acting attorney general, Blanche accelerated investigations into Trump's perceived political opponents and announced a settlement creating the $1.8 billion fund to compensate those who felt mistreated by the criminal justice system. The settlement also provided Trump and his family with immunity from IRS tax audits. Under pressure, Blanche promised in writing to abandon the fund and rein in the tax audit immunity deal.

Blanche has defended Trump against criminal charges in two federal cases brought by the Biden administration's Department of Justice, describing his experience as revealing what he contends was the weaponization of the criminal justice system against Trump.

On social media, Blanche said he was "deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me," and expressed gratitude to senators for working late to confirm him.

This confirmation follows a tumultuous hearing that exposed deep bipartisan concerns about placing a close Trump ally at the helm of a Justice Department traditionally proud of its independence.

Sources