Washington — In a closely contested vote early Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the 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.

The confirmation faced significant opposition, with Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joining all Democrats in voting against Blanche's nomination. The path to confirmation cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support for Blanche.

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.

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. These federal cases involve allegations of efforts to subvert the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election and issues surrounding the handling of sensitive government documents after Trump's first term.

Supporters hailed the confirmation as "a huge win for President Trump and our country," emphasizing Blanche's "unwavering commitment to law and order."

Sources