Washington — Early on Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote, appointing President Trump's former defense lawyer as the head of the Justice Department. Blanche's confirmation faced opposition from all Senate Democrats as well as Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Blanche's path to confirmation was cleared when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support for the nomination on Friday, August 7. Shortly after the vote, Blanche expressed gratitude on social media, stating he was "deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice."

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in June, Blanche addressed concerns about the Justice Department's creation of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund designed to provide payouts to individuals alleging wrongful government actions. He told senators that the fund was "dead" and that the department was "not moving forward" with the program amid strong opposition from lawmakers.

Blanche's confirmation comes as President Trump faces multiple legal challenges, including a criminal case in New York state court 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 the handling of sensitive government documents following Trump's first term.

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

Sources