The United States Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to be the next Attorney General on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a narrow 50-49 vote. Every Democrat and two Republicans, including Maine Senator John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, voted in favor of Blanche’s confirmation.

Cornyn and 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 They demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought revisions to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement to ensure audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family did not extend beyond the plaintiffs.

The DOJ submitted a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, but Cornyn returned it, arguing that the demands had not been fully met. This disagreement led Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley to postpone a scheduled markup on July 30 until a deal was reached. Eventually, Cornyn and Tillis reached an agreement with Blanche, allowing the nomination to advance out of the committee.

Blanche, who became acting Attorney General on April 2 after former Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired by then-President Trump, has faced opposition from more than 1,200 former DOJ employees. Critics argue that Blanche has taken actions that erode the Department’s independence, which formed the basis for some senators’ opposition.

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

Additionally, Representative Ruben Gallego announced he would miss several votes on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to attend to a family emergency.

Sources