Washington — Early on Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a tight 50-49 vote, installing President Trump's former defense lawyer as the nation's top law enforcement official.

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 to confirmation cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support.

During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche addressed concerns over the Justice Department's creation of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund designed to compensate individuals who alleged they were wronged 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.

Blanche expressed gratitude after the vote, stating on social media that 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 concerning efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential power transfer and handling of sensitive government documents.

Supporters view Blanche's confirmation as "a huge win for President Trump and our country," emphasizing his "unwavering commitment to law and order," despite concerns about actions that some say have "further eroded the Department's independence."

Sources