WASHINGTON — In a late-night session, the Republican-led U.S. Senate voted 50–49 to confirm Todd Blanche as the nation’s Attorney General. Blanche, who previously served as President Donald Trump’s lead personal defense attorney, becomes the second confirmed head of the Department of Justice (DOJ) during Trump’s second term, following the firing of Pam Bondi.
The confirmation concludes a contentious legislative battle over the department’s political independence and recent controversial policy decisions.
Key Confirmation Details & Legislative Friction
Narrow Senate Approval: The vote passed by the thinnest possible margin, with Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) joining Democrats in opposition. Senator Bill Cassidy provided the decisive swing vote after Blanche issued written assurances regarding specific department actions.
Rescinded IRS Settlement Funds: To secure crucial Republican votes, Blanche formally committed in writing to abandon a proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” intended to compensate individuals claiming mistreatment by the justice system, while also rolling back provisions granting tax audit immunity to the President’s family.
Background & Career: A former federal prosecutor in New York, Blanche gained national prominence defending Trump in his New York legal proceedings and federal cases. He joined the Justice Department as Deputy Attorney General under Bondi before stepping into the acting leadership role.
Operational Shift and Ongoing Investigations
Since taking charge of the department in an acting capacity, Blanche has overseen major policy shifts, organizational restructuring, and high-profile probes:
High-Profile Actions: Under his direction, the DOJ moved forward with an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey.
Special Probes: Appointed former DOJ prosecutor Joseph diGenova to lead a Florida-based inquiry examining past actions by former intelligence and law enforcement officials.
Departmental Impact: The agency’s leadership transition has coincided with significant workforce turnover, including voluntary departures, resignations, and terminations across multiple divisions.
