Todd Blanche, who previously served as Donald Trump's personal attorney, has been confirmed as US attorney general following a closely contested 50-49 Senate vote. His confirmation ended months of deliberation among Republican senators over concerns regarding his judicial independence.
Todd Blanche secured confirmation as the United States' top law enforcement official after a narrow Senate vote that revealed significant divisions within the Republican party. The final tally of 50-49 reflected opposition from all Democratic senators and two prominent Republicans—Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski—who harbored reservations about Blanche's suitability for the role.
The deciding vote came from Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, whose support proved crucial given the underlying tension between Trump and the senator. Cassidy announced his backing on Friday, stating that while Trump ultimately shapes the Justice Department's direction, Senate confirmation would strengthen Blanche's ability to advocate for necessary initiatives. Cassidy also indicated reluctance to obstruct the department's work addressing violent crime. Notably, Cassidy had previously voted to convict Trump during the 2021 impeachment proceedings related to the Capitol riot.
Opposition centered on several substantive concerns. Murkowski cited worries about potential politicization of the Justice Department and expressed insufficient confidence in Blanche's capacity to constrain the administration's impulses. Collins raised questions regarding Blanche's handling of a $10 billion IRS settlement with Trump, though she ultimately expressed trust in his ability to provide candid legal counsel. Both senators objected to Blanche's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, which critics feared could compensate individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Blanche subsequently pledged to curtail the initiative, though uncertainty remains regarding whether such a commitment is legally enforceable or could be circumvented.
Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general since April, following the dismissal of Pam Bondi, and previously held the position of deputy attorney general.
