Washington — In a closely contested vote early Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former defense lawyer, as the nation's attorney general. Blanche secured approval by a narrow 50-49 margin.

Blanche's confirmation faced significant opposition, with all Democrats joined by Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting against his nomination. His path cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support on Friday.

During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche addressed concerns about the Justice Department's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, created to compensate individuals alleging wrongful treatment by the federal government. Blanche stated 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, saying 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 New York state criminal case related to a $130,000 "hush money" payment made before the 2016 election, and two federal cases brought by former special counsel Jack Smith concerning alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential transition and handling of sensitive government documents.

Supporters hailed the confirmation as "a huge win for President Trump and our country," emphasizing Blanche's "unwavering commitment to law and order." Critics, however, cited "several actions that have further eroded the Department's independence."

Sources