Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in 50-49 Vote

The United States Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the 88th Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote early Saturday, August 8, 2026. A former personal lawyer for President Donald Trump, Blanche had served as acting attorney general since April following the firing of Pam Bondi. His confirmation was secured by the decisive vote of Senator Bill Cassidy, who argued that a confirmed official has more leverage to manage the president than an acting one.

To win over skeptical Republicans, including Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, Blanche provided written assurances to rescind a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" intended to compensate Trump allies and January 6 protesters. He also agreed to narrow a settlement that granted broad tax audit immunity to the Trump family, limiting protections to retroactive filings only.

Opposition remained unified among Democrats and was joined by Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Critics cited the politicization of the Department of Justice, the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, and Blanche's history as the president's defense attorney. Following the vote, President Donald Trump attacked Senator Murkowski on social media, calling her a "traitor."

Since leading the department in an acting capacity, Blanche has overseen the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and the appointment of Joseph diGenova to investigate former intelligence officials. He has also committed to protecting pro-life state laws by preventing the mailing of chemical abortion drugs into states where they are illegal.