- Todd Blanche has been confirmed as United States attorney general by the Senate in a narrow vote of 50-49, with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy casting the deciding vote.
- The confirmation followed a tumultuous fight that raised deep questions about installing Trump’s close ally in the top position at the Justice Department, which has historically prided itself on its independence from the White House.
- Blanche represented Trump in several criminal trials before entering government, and critics say Trump desires to use the law enforcement agency to investigate his political enemies.
- Blanche had already been leading the department in an acting capacity after the president fired Pam Bondi in April, and his confirmation could free him to pursue the Trump administration’s agenda even more aggressively.
- Blanche overcame challenges by agreeing in writing to narrow the tax-immunity agreement and end the 'weaponisation' payments, which critics have called a slush fund for Trump’s allies, including those who rioted at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
- The Republican-led Senate voted 50-49 to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, making him the second confirmed attorney general since Trump returned to the White House.
- Blanche was confirmed by the narrowest of margins, with two Republicans — Sens Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — opposing him.
- Blanche had moved swiftly to advance Trump's interests, accelerating investigations into perceived foes and announcing the settlement that created the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and provided Trump and family members with immunity from tax audits.
- The controversial settlement threatened to derail Blanche's nomination until he formally rescinded the fund in writing under pressure from Republican Sens John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
- Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called confirming Blanche a 'serious mistake' and urged colleagues not to be on the 'wrong side' of history.
- Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she would oppose Blanche, saying the country needs an attorney general 'who will check the worst impulses of this administration.'
Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, was confirmed as U.S. attorney general in a contentious 50-49 Senate vote, with Bill Cassidy casting the deciding vote. The confirmation raised significant concerns regarding the politicization of the Justice Department and Blanche's close ties to Trump.129
The Senate's narrow Republican majority confirmed Blanche early Saturday, despite bipartisan apprehensions about his ability to maintain the department's independence. Critics fear that Blanche's appointment could lead to the weaponization of law enforcement against political adversaries. Blanche had been serving in an acting capacity since April, following the dismissal of Pam Bondi.67
During the confirmation process, Blanche faced scrutiny over his handling of a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund intended for Trump’s allies, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Under pressure, he agreed to abandon the fund and limit its provisions, which had been labeled a slush fund by critics.
Senator Dick Durbin expressed strong opposition, calling the confirmation a “serious mistake” and urging colleagues to consider the historical implications of their decision. Ultimately, Blanche's confirmation reflects ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, as two GOP senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against him, emphasizing the need for an attorney general who would check the administration's excesses.101314
“Blanche, who had been leading the department in an acting capacity after Pam Bondi's firing, agreed in writing to abandon the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and narrow tax-immunity provisions to secure support. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed him, while Dick Durbin called the confirmation a 'serious mistake.'”
