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 vote was closely contested, with the Republican-led Senate approving Blanche 50-49. Every Democrat voted against his confirmation. 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, opposed him.

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general prior to the confirmation. His nomination faced delays and opposition, particularly over the department's plan to establish 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 argued that the alternative could be less effective under President Trump. He stated, “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche. It is between Mr Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr Blanche.”

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

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice under Blanche's leadership, stating, “While I believe Mr Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political. 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 has 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.

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

Sources