- Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 vote.
- Blanche was sworn in as attorney general after a bruising confirmation battle.
- Shortly after, the newly sworn-in attorney general arrived at Justice Department headquarters to cheers from employees lined up along the entrance.
- Under deputy attorney general and later as acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen the investigations of numerous Trump foes, including former FBI Director James Comey, whom the Justice Department indicted in April for a second time since Trump returned to the White House last year.
- With the confirmation battle behind him, Blanche now faces the challenge of having to navigate the demands of a president who has made no secret his desire to use the law enforcement agency to target his political foes.
- Blanche will do so with an agency that has been hollowed out by resignations, firings and voluntary departures while also confronting mounting pushback from the courts.
Todd Blanche was officially sworn in as attorney general on Monday, following a 50-49 Senate confirmation vote that highlighted bipartisan concerns regarding the Justice Department's politicization under President Trump. The oath was administered by former Trump attorney Emil Bove at the White House.12
Blanche, who has been acting attorney general since April, now faces the daunting task of leading a department that has experienced significant turnover due to resignations and firings. His confirmation comes amid scrutiny over the Justice Department's direction, with critics warning of increased politicization.
"With the confirmation battle behind him, Blanche now faces the challenge of having to navigate the demands of a president who has made no secret his desire to use the law enforcement agency to target his political foes," a source noted. Blanche's leadership will be tested as he oversees ongoing investigations into Trump opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey, who was indicted in April.4
Upon his arrival at the Justice Department, Blanche was greeted with cheers from employees, signaling a mix of hope and apprehension about the future of the agency under his leadership. His confirmation marks a pivotal moment for the Justice Department as it seeks to regain stability and public trust.
“Blanche inherits a Justice Department hollowed out by resignations and firings, facing mounting court pushback. He previously oversaw investigations of Trump foes, including the April indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.”
