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 tightly split at 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 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 criticism, particularly over the Department of Justice’s establishment of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and provisions 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 effectively manage the department 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.”

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, saying Republicans have "handed Trump an excuse on a silver platter" to continue what he called "pervasive, breathtaking misconduct."

Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking re-election in Maine, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice under Blanche’s leadership, stating, “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.”

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 view as weak.

The confirmation concludes weeks of uncertainty over Blanche’s nomination and solidifies Trump’s influence over the nation’s top law enforcement office.

Sources