The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote early Saturday morning, elevating President Trump’s former personal lawyer to lead the Justice Department. The confirmation came after weeks of uncertainty and Republican infighting over the direction of the nation’s top law enforcement agency.
Two Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—joined all Democrats in voting against Blanche. The decisive support came from Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, whose endorsement Friday cleared the path for confirmation after days of negotiation.
Blanche’s path to confirmation hinged on a contentious issue: a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that GOP senators opposed. On August 3, Blanche formally rescinded the fund in writing, securing the backing of Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had threatened to block his nomination. That concession proved decisive in moving his nomination forward.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had advanced Blanche’s nomination on August 4 by a 12-10 party-line vote, setting up the full Senate confirmation. The overnight vote at 4:31 a.m. occurred just before the Senate departed for a five-week recess, according to reporting from the Washington Post.
Blanche, who had been serving as acting attorney general since April 2, 2026, was previously confirmed as deputy attorney general in March 2025 by a 52-46 vote. Before joining the Justice Department, he worked as a criminal defense attorney representing Trump in three criminal cases brought against the president in 2023. His background as Trump’s personal lawyer became a focal point during his confirmation hearings, with Democrats questioning his independence from the president and his ability to lead an impartial Justice Department.
The confirmation makes Blanche the second attorney general confirmed since Trump returned to the White House last year. His narrow margin underscores deep partisan divisions over the Justice Department’s role and leadership, with Republicans largely unified in supporting Trump’s choice while Democrats remained opposed.
Sources
- NBC News — Blanche’s confirmation as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 vote after weeks of uncertainty
- Reuters — Senate Republicans narrowly confirming Blanche with GOP Senators Collins and Murkowski opposing
- Washington Post — Senate narrowly approving Blanche as AG, capping tough confirmation fight at 4:31 a.m. before recess
- PBS NewsHour — Blanche winning support from GOP holdouts after vowing to scrap the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund
- CNN — Senate vote confirming Blanche 50-49 with Collins and Murkowski voting with Democrats
- The Guardian — Blanche confirmed by a vote of 50-49 with only two Republican senators opposing
- The Hill — Senate confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general along party lines
