Trump’s ex-lawyer Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as US Attorney General in 50–49 Senate vote

Washington: The United States Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in an early Saturday vote, placing President Donald Trump’s former personal defense attorney at the helm of the Department of Justice.

The Republican-led Senate voted 50–49 to confirm Blanche, making him the second confirmed Attorney General of Trump’s current term. Blanche had previously been serving in an acting capacity following the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April.

A high-stakes confirmation battle

Blanche’s nomination faced substantial opposition over concerns regarding the Justice Department’s independence from the White House. In the final vote, all Senate Democrats were joined in opposition by two Republicans – Sen Susan Collins of Maine and Sen Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Murkowski voiced her opposition on Friday, stating that the nation requires an Attorney General “who will check the worst impulses of this administration”.

Conversely, Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley endorsed the nominee, stating ahead of the vote that “Mr. Blanche is the right choice”.

Key concessions secured

The confirmation process hinged on Republican concerns regarding a controversial IRS settlement. The agreement included a proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponisation Fund” intended to compensate individuals claiming mistreatment by the justice system, including Jan 6 Capitol riot defendants, and provisions offering tax audit immunity to Trump and his family.
To secure necessary support, Blanche provided written commitments to Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis that the department would abandon the $1.8 billion fund and restrict the audit immunity provisions.

These pledges won over Senator Bill Cassidy, whose decisive vote cleared the path for confirmation. Cassidy noted, “This is not a referendum on President Trump. It is a decision regarding Mr Blanche in very specific circumstances.”

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin strongly opposed the confirmation, warning colleagues against making a “serious mistake” and adding, “If there is ever a moment in history when we need an Attorney General above reproach, who is clearly dedicated to ending corruption, even at the highest level of our government, it’s right now.”

Background and ongoing department actions

A former federal prosecutor in New York, Blanche served as lead defense counsel for Trump during his New York trial and federal criminal proceedings brought during the previous administration. He initially joined the Justice Department last year as Deputy Attorney General.

Under Blanche's tenure as acting head, the department launched several high-profile initiatives, including an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey over a social media post displaying seashells arranged as “86 47”. Comey’s defense team is currently seeking a dismissal, alleging prosecutor misconduct.

In addition, Blanche appointed former Reagan-era prosecutor Joseph diGenova to head a Florida-based probe investigating whether former intelligence and law enforcement officials conspired against Trump over the past decade.
 

In a statement following the vote, Blanche expressed that he was “deeply honoured by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me” and noted he was “grateful” to senators for their overnight efforts. 
AP