Washington — Early on Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the Attorney General of the United States, narrowly approving the former defense lawyer for President Trump in a 50-49 vote. Blanche's confirmation installs him as the nation's top law enforcement official.

The vote saw Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska join all Democrats in opposing Blanche's nomination. However, Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support for Blanche, clearing the path for confirmation.

Blanche faced significant opposition during his confirmation process, particularly over the Justice Department's creation of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund designed to provide payouts to individuals who claimed they were wronged by the federal government. During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche stated that the fund was "dead" and that the department was "not moving forward" with the program amid strong pushback from lawmakers.

Following the vote, Blanche expressed gratitude on social media, stating he was "deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice."

The confirmation comes as President Trump faces multiple legal challenges, including a criminal case in New York related to a $130,000 "hush money" payment made before the 2016 election, and two federal cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith. These federal cases involve allegations of efforts to subvert the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election and the handling of sensitive government documents after Trump's first term.

Supporters have called Blanche's confirmation "a huge win for President Trump and our country," emphasizing his "unwavering commitment to law and order." Critics, however, have raised concerns about actions that may have "further eroded the Department's independence."

Sources