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 closely contested, with the Republican-led Senate approving Blanche 50-49. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche after two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against the nomination. Every Democrat in the Senate opposed Blanche’s confirmation.

With this appointment, Donald Trump now has his former personal attorney overseeing the nation's law enforcement apparatus.

Sources