Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as AG
Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche is now the nation's top law enforcement official after a razor-thin Senate confirmation.
The update
The Senate early Saturday confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, installing President Trump’s former defense lawyer as the nation’s top law enforcement official. Blanche narrowly won approval in a 50-49 vote. Two Republicans—Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—joined all Democrats in voting against his nomination.
Why it matters
Blanche’s confirmation shifts leadership of the Justice Department at a critical moment. He joins the second Trump administration as deputy attorney general and was tapped for acting attorney general following the removal of Pam Bondi in April. His confirmation comes after weeks of negotiations and scrutiny over the department’s creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund to provide payouts to people who alleged they were wronged by the federal government.
What to watch
Observers will monitor how Blanche handles the department’s existing legal obligations and policy priorities. His previous statements about the department’s “anti-weaponization” fund will be scrutinized as he assumes the permanent role. The Senate’s approval of the settlement agreement that created the fund, which also provided broad immunity to Trump and his family, remains a point of contention.
Sources
- cbsnews.com — Vote count (50-49), timeline of Blanche's role (deputy/acting AG), and details on the settlement agreement and 'anti-weaponization' fund.
- npr.org — Confirmation outcome and context of Blanche's previous role.
- thehill.com — Confirmation outcome and the role of negotiations in securing GOP support.