On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, delivering a major win for former President Donald Trump. Blanche, who had been serving as acting attorney general, will now officially lead the Department of Justice.

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, voted against the nomination. Every Democrat opposed Blanche’s confirmation.

Blanche faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over the department’s controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and a deal granting tax immunity to Trump, his sons, and his businesses. Senator Cassidy acknowledged Blanche’s imperfections but argued the choice was between Blanche and a potentially less effective acting attorney general under Trump.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Senate Republicans of enabling Trump’s "pervasive, breathtaking misconduct" by confirming Blanche. Meanwhile, Collins, who is seeking re-election in Maine, expressed concern that Blanche’s actions have further eroded the independence of the Department of Justice.

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 some experts consider weak.

This confirmation comes after weeks of uncertainty and amid ongoing debate about the department’s direction under Blanche’s leadership.

Sources