- 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.
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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 confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general, with Senator Bill Cassidy casting the deciding vote after Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed him. Every Democrat rejected the nomination, highlighting concerns over Blanche's past actions and the implications for the Justice Department.12
Cassidy defended his vote, stating, “Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche,” emphasizing the need for effective leadership under President Trump. Murkowski, however, expressed her concerns, stating, “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.”
Blanche's nomination faced scrutiny due to his handling of sensitive issues, including a controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and the department's mishandling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Critics pointed out that Blanche initially refused to meet with Epstein victims, later agreeing to do so but providing few answers during the meeting.6
Despite the opposition, Blanche's nomination narrowly cleared the Senate judiciary committee after assurances were made regarding the fund's status. Scores of career justice department attorneys have left the agency under his leadership, raising further concerns about the direction of the Justice Department under his tenure.
“Cassidy's vote broke a 50-50 tie, with every Democrat rejecting Blanche. The nomination had stalled for weeks over a $1.8bn 'anti-weaponization fund' and tax immunity deal, which Blanche pledged to abandon.”
The Guardian
