The Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General on August 8, 2026, with a narrow 50-49 vote. Every Democrat and two Republicans, including Maine Senator Susan Collins, voted in favor.

Blanche, who became acting Attorney General on April 2 after former Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired by President Donald Trump, faced opposition from several GOP senators. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis initially hesitated to support Blanche due to concerns over a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. They demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought revisions to an IRS settlement to limit audit immunity for President Trump and his family.

The DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, but Cornyn returned it, arguing that the demands had not been met. This disagreement delayed the Senate Judiciary Committee markup scheduled for July 30, which was postponed by Chairman Chuck Grassley until a deal was reached. Eventually, Cornyn and Tillis reached an agreement with Blanche and voted to advance his nomination out of the committee.

Despite the confirmation, opposition remains. More than 1,200 former DOJ employees have voiced concerns that Blanche has taken actions undermining the Department’s independence. Senator Ruben Gallego announced he would miss some votes due to a family emergency.

During Blanche’s July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned whether the anti-weaponization fund could be revived, highlighting ongoing uncertainties.

Sources