Todd Blanche sworn in as US attorney general after 50-49 Senate confirmation

Todd Blanche was sworn in as U.S. attorney general on Monday, August 10, after the Senate narrowly confirmed his nomination by a 50-49 vote on Saturday morning. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and President Donald Trump's personal defense attorney, assumed the role following one of the most contentious cabinet confirmation battles of Trump's second term.

The confirmation process centered on bipartisan concerns about Blanche's independence and loyalty to Trump, as well as objections to a controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" proposed to compensate individuals claiming mistreatment by the Justice Department. Two Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—voted against the nomination, citing concerns about the fund and the politicization of the department. Murkowski stated that "the country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration," while Collins also opposed the nomination. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a key Republican critic of Trump, ultimately cast the decisive vote in Blanche's favor after receiving written assurances that the compensation fund would be abandoned.

Blanche formally rescinded the anti-weaponization fund in writing and issued orders stating "there is no Fund" under pressure from Republicans, particularly Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. However, Democrats argued that Blanche's order does not provide sufficient permanent safeguards against the Trump administration potentially reviving the fund after his confirmation, and have called for legislation to permanently bar it. All 47 Senate Democrats voted against Blanche's confirmation, with critics citing his handling of the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, the tax immunity provisions in Trump's IRS settlement, his role in investigations of Trump's political opponents including former FBI Director James Comey, and concerns about his prior service as Trump's personal attorney.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, following the dismissal of Pam Bondi, and previously held the position of deputy attorney general. He was sworn in by Emil Bove, another Trump attorney now serving as a federal appeals court judge, at the White House. Blanche now leads a Justice Department that has experienced significant staff departures and has faced growing judicial scrutiny of its decisions. Supporters of Blanche argue that his prior role as Trump's criminal defense lawyer may enable him to push back more effectively against presidential demands, though critics contend his nomination green-lights what Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized as Trump's "pervasive, breathtaking corruption."