Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, has been narrowly confirmed as the United States Attorney General, becoming the country’s top law enforcement official.
The Senate approved Blanche’s nomination by 50 votes to 49, ending a lengthy dispute between Senate Republicans and the Trump administration. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joined Democrats in voting against him. Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote in Blanche’s favour.
Concerns over his nomination Blanche’s confirmation faced opposition from some Republicans over several issues, including:His handling of the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
His involvement in Trump’s proposed $1.8bn “anti-weaponisation” fund. Concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department. His role in settling Trump’s $10bn lawsuit against the IRS. Blanche eventually agreed to abandon the proposed anti-weaponisation fund following pressure from Republican senators, although questions remain over whether a similar programme could be revived later.
Murkowski said she lacked confidence that Blanche would be willing to “check the worst impulses of this administration. “Why Cassidy’s vote mattered Cassidy’s decision attracted particular attention because he has previously clashed with Trump. He voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial following the 6 January 2021 Capitol attack.
Despite their history, Cassidy said Blanche was the best candidate Trump was likely to nominate and that Senate confirmation would give Blanche greater leverage to challenge policies within the Justice Department when necessary. Blanche’s background Blanche previously served as Trump’s lead lawyer during his 2024 hush-money case and became deputy attorney general before taking over as acting attorney general in April, following Pam Bondi’s departure.
After his confirmation, Blanche said he was deeply honoured by Trump’s trust and confidence. Democrats, however, strongly criticised the appointment, accusing Blanche of enabling Trump’s conduct and warning that his appointment could further politicise the Justice Department.
