POLITICS

US Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in 50-49 Vote

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 22

Left 41%

Center 36%

Right 23%

Sources: 22

WASHINGTON — The United States Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the Attorney General of the United States in a narrow 50–49 vote during an overnight session before adjourning for a five-week recess. Blanche, who previously served as Donald Trump’s personal criminal defense attorney and deputy attorney general, takes formal command of the Department of Justice. He had been serving as acting attorney general since April following the departure of Pam Bondi. The confirmation vote was divided along party lines. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined all Senate Democrats in voting against the nomination. Confirmation followed intense negotiations regarding a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund connected to an Internal Revenue Service settlement involving President Trump. Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana had expressed significant reservations about the provision. Support was secured after Blanche issued a written commitment pledging that the Department of Justice would officially rescind the fund prior to the final vote. In floor remarks prior to the vote, Senator Cassidy announced his decision to support Blanche after receiving the written assurances regarding departmental independence. Senator Murkowski stated her opposition, arguing that the Department of Justice required leadership capable of acting as an independent check on executive authority. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the nomination, criticizing the appointment of a president's defense lawyer to lead federal law enforcement. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley supported the nomination, citing Blanche's experience as a former federal prosecutor in New York. In addition to confirming Blanche, Senate Republicans passed a en bloc resolution early Saturday morning confirming a slate of 71 administration nominees, including federal judges, US attorneys, and ambassadors. Before departing Washington for the August recess, the Senate also passed a government funding measure to prevent a federal shutdown through December 11.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

On April 15, 2026, Pam Bondi resigned as United States Attorney General.
On April 16, 2026, Todd Blanche became acting head of Justice Department
.
On June 2, 2026, President Trump officially nominated Blanche as Attorney General.
On July 22, 2026, Senate Judiciary Committee approved Blanche nomination to floor.
On August 7, 2026, Blanche signed memorandum pledging to rescind controversial fund.
On August 8, 2026 (1:30 AM EST), Senate confirmed Todd Blanche in 50-49 vote.
On August 8, 2026 (2:15 AM EST), Senate confirmed 71 administration nominees en bloc.
On August 8, 2026 (3:00 AM EST), Senate passed government funding measure through December
.
On August 8, 2026, Senate officially adjourned for five-week summer recess.
No newer material development was located during the final freshness search.

News Intelligence

Todd Blanche takes full legal control over Federal Justice Department.
Senate confirmation establishes permanent leadership for federal legal policy execution.
Department of Justice officials, federal courts, and executive nominees.
Monitor official Department of Justice press statements and court filings.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 22
Right Leaning:: 5
Left Leaning:: 9
Neutral:: 8

Explain Framing

Left: Highlighted concerns over political influence on federal law enforcement agency. Center: Focused on procedural vote outcomes, party breakdown, and legislative agreements. Right: Emphasized Blanche's prosecutorial qualifications and filled executive branch positions.