- The US Senate voted to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general in a major win for President Trump, who will now have his one-time personal attorney atop the nation's law enforcement apparatus.
- Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in Blanche's favor after two other Republicans – Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – voted against him. Every Democrat rejected Blanche's nomination.
- Blanche's nomination had been in limbo for weeks due to concerns over the department's deal to create a $1.8bn so-called “anti-weaponization fund” and to give the president, his sons, and business tax immunity.
- Cassidy explained his decision: “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche. It is between Mr Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr Blanche.”
- Murkowski, announcing her opposition, said: “I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund—which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters—is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage. Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.”
- Blanche faced heavy criticism for the department's sloppy rollout of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which redacted information that should not have been redacted and left unredacted the names of victims that should have been kept private.
The Senate's confirmation of Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general marks a significant victory for President Trump, with Senator Bill Cassidy casting the pivotal vote.12
Collins and Murkowski opposed the nomination, while every Democrat rejected it.
Cassidy defended Blanche, stating, “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche.”
He emphasized the importance of having Blanche over an acting attorney general who may not effectively run the department under Trump.
Blanche's nomination faced delays due to concerns over a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” and tax immunity for the president and his family.
Murkowski expressed her apprehension, stating, “I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund...is only off the table because this nomination is pending.”
Despite criticism regarding the department's handling of sensitive information related to Jeffrey Epstein, Blanche secured support from Senators Cornyn and Tillis after clarifying the fund's status.6
Critics noted that under Blanche's leadership, numerous career justice department attorneys have departed, raising concerns about the integrity of the department.
“Blanche's nomination had been stalled for weeks over a $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund and tax immunity deal, which he agreed to abandon in writing. Murkowski warned the fund could return once the Senate loses leverage, and Blanche faced criticism over the Epstein files rollout.”
The Guardian
