The United States Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next attorney general on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after a contentious nomination process marked by opposition from several Republican senators.

Blanche was confirmed by a 50-49 vote, with every Democrat and two Republicans supporting him. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis initially hesitated to back Blanche due to concerns over a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization package. They demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought revisions to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement to limit audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family.

The DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, but Cornyn returned it, stating that the demands had not been met. This disagreement led Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley to postpone a markup session originally scheduled for July 30.

Blanche, who became acting attorney general on April 2 after Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced criticism for actions perceived to have eroded the DOJ's independence. More than 1,200 former DOJ employees opposed his nomination, arguing that he undermined the institution.

During Blanche’s July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned him about the possibility of reviving the fund. Despite the opposition, Blanche secured enough votes to be confirmed.

Additionally, Representative Ruben Gallego announced he would miss several votes on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to be with his wife during an emergency.

Sources