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 head of the Justice Department.

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. However, his path cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support.

During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche addressed concerns about the Justice Department's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, designed to provide payouts to 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.

Blanche expressed gratitude following 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 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 the 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," despite criticisms about actions that some say have "further eroded the Department's independence."

Sources