Senate Narrowly Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in Late-Night Vote

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general early Saturday morning in a 50-49 vote, ending a contentious confirmation battle and installing President Donald Trump’s former personal criminal defense lawyer as the permanent head of the Justice Department.

The vote occurred in the early hours of August 8 following a late-night session, with Blanche receiving support from most Republicans while facing unified Democratic opposition. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats in voting against the nomination. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana provided a decisive yes vote after announcing his support on the Senate floor Friday, saying Blanche “is not perfect” but was the best option available to lead the department under Trump.

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor in New York, rose to national prominence as Trump’s lead defense counsel in the New York hush-money trial and other federal cases. He had been serving as acting attorney general since April, when Trump removed Pam Bondi from the post. Prior to that, Blanche had served as deputy attorney general under Bondi.

The confirmation process faced significant hurdles in recent weeks over concerns about Blanche’s independence and the Justice Department’s direction under his leadership. A major sticking point was a proposed settlement related to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS that included a roughly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” Critics said the fund could have directed payments to Trump allies, including some January 6 defendants, and offered certain tax-audit protections. Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina withheld support until Blanche provided written assurances rescinding the fund and clarifying the scope of any tax-related provisions. Those written commitments allowed the nomination to clear the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier in the week.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa endorsed Blanche, citing his experience and leadership at the department. Democrats, led by ranking member Dick Durbin of Illinois, argued confirmation would be a serious mistake and that the country needed an attorney general independent of the White House. Murkowski stated the nation requires an attorney general willing to check the administration’s impulses.

During his acting tenure, the Justice Department pursued cases against political figures, including an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, while also advancing Trump administration priorities on crime, immigration, and cartels. Opponents pointed to these actions as evidence of politicization; supporters argued Blanche had restored focus to law enforcement priorities.

Blanche issued a statement expressing honor at the confirmation and thanking Trump along with senators who worked late into the night to complete the vote. The narrow margin underscored ongoing tensions within the Republican conference and broader questions about the Justice Department’s role and independence in the second Trump term. With the confirmation complete, Blanche assumes full authority over the department as its Senate-confirmed attorney general.