The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, 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 (DOJ).

The confirmation vote was 50-49 along party lines, with every Democrat opposing the nomination. 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 him.

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general prior to the confirmation, but his nomination faced delays amid concerns over the DOJ's establishment of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and provisions granting tax immunity to Trump, his sons, and his businesses. Cassidy acknowledged Blanche's imperfections but emphasized the choice was between him and another acting attorney general who might not effectively manage the department under Trump.

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 DOJ indicted former FBI director James Comey twice, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, with some experts viewing these cases as weak.

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election, expressed concerns about the DOJ's increasing politicization under Blanche, saying, "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."

Sources