Washington — Early on Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, appointing President Trump's former defense lawyer to lead the Justice Department. Blanche won approval in a tight 50-49 vote.

Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined all Democrats in opposing Blanche's nomination. His confirmation path cleared on Friday when Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support.

Blanche faced significant opposition due to the Justice Department's creation of a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, designed to provide payouts to individuals alleging wrongful treatment by the federal government. During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blanche stated the fund was "dead" and that the department was "not moving forward" with the program amid strong pushback.

In a social media post following the vote, Blanche expressed 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 New York state criminal case 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.

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

Sources