Senate confirms Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as attorney general

The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote early Saturday, cementing President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer as the nation's top law enforcement officer Source: AP News. Blanche, who had been serving in an acting capacity since April, was confirmed with the support of all but two Republicans—Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski—who joined Democrats in opposition Source: BBC. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the decisive vote, saying the choice was between Blanche and another acting attorney general who "may not run the department effectively under President Trump" Source: NPR.

Key concessions

To secure support, Blanche made written commitments to abandon the proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and to narrow a tax-immunity agreement that shielded Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization from IRS audits Source: AP News. The fund, critics said, could have compensated individuals prosecuted for the January 6 Capitol attack Source: BBC. Blanche's written statement said the order establishing the fund "is rescinded and shall have no force or effect" Source: NPR.

Concerns over independence

Democrats and some Republicans voiced deep concerns about politicizing the Justice Department. Senator Dick Durbin said Blanche "continues to operate as the president's personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department like a law firm serving one client—the president" Source: CNA. Murkowski cited the need for an attorney general "who will check the worst impulses of this administration" Source: DW News. Critics also noted Blanche's role in the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and his aggressive pursuit of Trump's political opponents Source: The Guardian.

What's next

Blanche's confirmation frees him to pursue the administration's agenda more aggressively, including cases against perceived enemies and hardline immigration enforcement Source: CNN. Questions remain about whether his written assurances are legally binding, and whether Trump could later persuade him to revive similar programs under new names Source: Al Jazeera.