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 contested, ending 50-49 along party lines. Every Democrat opposed Blanche's nomination, while two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined them in rejection. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche.

Cassidy acknowledged Blanche's imperfections but argued that the choice was between Blanche and another 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.”

Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general prior to the vote. His nomination faced resistance over the Department of Justice's agreement to establish a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and to grant tax immunity to Trump, his sons, and his businesses.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the confirmation, saying Senate Republicans have “handed Trump an excuse on a silver platter” to continue his “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, cases some experts consider weak.

Senator Collins, who is seeking re-election, expressed concern about the politicization of the Department of Justice, 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.”