On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, marking a significant victory for former President Donald Trump. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, will now lead the Department of Justice.

The confirmation vote was 50-49, with every Democrat opposing Blanche's nomination. 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 him.

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general prior to the confirmation. His nomination faced resistance from some Republican senators due to the Department of Justice's establishment of a $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 another acting attorney general who might not manage the department effectively under Trump. "Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche," Cassidy said on the Senate floor.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, stating that Senate Republicans had "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, in cases some experts consider weak.

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election in Maine, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice under Blanche. "While I believe Mr Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political," she said. "Mr Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation."

The confirmation concludes weeks of uncertainty over Blanche's nomination and comes despite ongoing controversy surrounding the department's nearly $2 billion fund, which some critics argue could have rewarded January 6 protesters.

Sources