The U.S. Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General on August 8, 2026, with a close vote of 50-49. Every Democrat and two Republicans, including Maine Senator John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, voted in favor.

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 They demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide written proof that the fund was rescinded and sought revisions to an IRS settlement to limit audit immunity for former President Donald Trump and his family.

Although the DOJ sent a written proposal to Cornyn on July 27, he returned it, stating that his demands had not been met. This disagreement delayed the Senate Judiciary Committee markup initially scheduled for July 30 by Chairman Chuck Grassley.

Blanche, who became acting Attorney General on April 2 after Trump fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi, has faced criticism for actions perceived to erode the Department’s independence. Over 1,200 former DOJ employees opposed his nomination, arguing that he has undermined the institution.

During Blanche’s July 15 confirmation hearing, Cornyn questioned whether the anti-weaponization fund could be revived. Meanwhile, Representative Ruben Gallego announced he would miss several votes due to a family emergency.

The confirmation concluded a contentious nomination process marked by GOP holdouts and ongoing concerns about DOJ independence.

Sources