The U.S. Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to be the next Attorney General on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a contentious nomination process marked by opposition from some Republican senators.

Blanche was confirmed by a 50-49 vote, with every Democrat and two Republicans, including Maine Senator John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, voting in favor. Cornyn and Tillis had initially hesitated to support Blanche due to concerns over a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. They demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought changes to an IRS settlement to ensure audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family did not extend beyond the plaintiffs.

The DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, but Cornyn returned it, stating the demands had not been met. This disagreement delayed the Senate Judiciary Committee's markup originally scheduled for July 30, as committee chairman Chuck Grassley postponed it until a deal was reached.

Blanche, who became acting Attorney General on April 2 after Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced significant opposition. More than 1,200 former DOJ employees opposed his nomination, citing actions they say have eroded the Department's independence.

During Blanche's July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned whether the anti-weaponization fund could be revived, reflecting ongoing concerns.

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

Sources