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

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.