Washington — Early on Saturday, August 8th, 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. All Democrats, along with Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted 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, which was designed to provide payouts to individuals alleging they were wronged by the federal government. Blanche told senators the fund was "dead" and that the department was "not moving forward" with the program amid strong pushback.

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. These federal cases involve allegations of efforts to subvert the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election and mishandling of sensitive government documents.

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

Sources