The Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General on Saturday, August 8, 2026, by a vote of 50-49. Every Democrat and two Republicans supported the confirmation, with Maine Sen. among the Republicans voting in favor.

Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis had 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 They demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought revisions to an IRS settlement to limit audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family.

The DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, but Cornyn rejected it, arguing 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 former Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired by then-President Trump, faced opposition from more than 1,200 former DOJ employees. Critics argued that Blanche had taken actions undermining the Department’s independence, which was cited as a reason for opposing his confirmation.

During his July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned Blanche about the possibility of reviving the fund. Despite the opposition and delays, Blanche ultimately secured confirmation.

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

Sources