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 attorney, will now lead the Department of Justice.

The confirmation vote was 50-49 along party lines, with every Democrat opposing Blanche's nomination. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor, while Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against him.

Blanche had been acting attorney general prior to the confirmation, but his nomination faced delays and criticism. He encountered resistance from some Republican senators over the department'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 between Blanche and an alternative acting attorney general who might not manage the department effectively under Trump. He stated, “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, accusing Senate Republicans of enabling Trump to continue what he called “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, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice 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.”

The confirmation comes despite ongoing controversy over the nearly $2 billion fund, which critics say could have rewarded January 6 protesters, a plan that was reportedly stalled due to the pending nomination and Senate leverage.

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