Key facts
- The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote.
- Blanche, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, has been serving as acting AG.
- The confirmation followed concerns over a controversial IRS settlement.
- Blanche promised to abandon a $1.8 billion compensation fund and IRS tax audit protections.
- Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed the nomination.
- Senator Bill Cassidy provided the deciding vote.
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote early Saturday morning, solidifying President Donald Trump's control over the Justice Department. Blanche, who had been serving as acting AG since April, faced a contentious confirmation process due to concerns from some Republicans and all Democrats about his close ties to Trump and a controversial IRS settlement.
Blanche's confirmation was secured after he publicly committed in writing to abandon Trump's proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund, intended for individuals who felt mistreated by the justice system, and to limit another part of the settlement that would shield Trump and his family from IRS tax audits. This concession was crucial in winning over Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who cast the deciding vote, stating that Blanche was the best candidate to lead the department under Trump's specific circumstances.
Despite the concessions, Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed Blanche's nomination, citing the need for an attorney general who would check the administration's impulses. Democrats, led by Senator Dick Durbin, argued that confirming Blanche was a serious mistake and that the department needed an attorney general above reproach. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, rose to prominence as a lead attorney for Trump, particularly in his hush money trial and federal cases brought by the Biden administration's Justice Department.