The Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, following a closely contested vote of 50-49. Every Democrat and two Republicans, including Maine Senator, supported Blanche's confirmation despite earlier hesitations from GOP senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.

Cornyn and Tillis had expressed concerns over a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded. They also sought revisions to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement to ensure that audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family did not extend beyond the plaintiffs. Although the DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, Cornyn returned it, arguing that the demands were not fully met.

The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Chuck Grassley, had scheduled a markup session for July 30 but postponed it due to the lack of agreement between Cornyn and Blanche. Eventually, Cornyn and Tillis reached a deal with Blanche and voted to advance his nomination out of the committee.

Blanche assumed the role of acting Attorney General on April 2, 2026, after former Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired by then-President Trump. His nomination faced opposition from over 1,200 former DOJ employees who argued that Blanche's actions had undermined the department's independence.

During his July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned Blanche about the possibility of reviving the anti-weaponization fund. Meanwhile, Representative Ruben Gallego announced he would miss several votes to attend to a family emergency.

The Senate's confirmation of Blanche concludes a nomination process marked by significant debate over DOJ independence and oversight.

Sources