Key facts
- Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general by a 50-49 vote.
- Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against Blanche's confirmation.
- Concerns included Blanche's handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and a tax-immunity agreement.
- Blanche agreed to modify the tax-immunity agreement and end a controversial fund.
- Senator Murkowski expressed a lack of confidence in Blanche's ability to check the administration's impulses.
The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as President Donald Trump's attorney general in a 50-49 vote on Saturday, concluding a contentious confirmation process. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed the nomination, while Senator Bill Cassidy provided the deciding vote after expressing his trust in Blanche's legal counsel.
Concerns surrounding Blanche's nomination included his handling of the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and his role in establishing Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and a related tax-immunity agreement. Critics had labeled the fund a "slush fund" for Trump's allies. Blanche ultimately agreed in writing to narrow the tax-immunity agreement and cease payments from the fund, though questions remain about the legal binding of these commitments.
Senator Murkowski cited her lack of confidence in Blanche's ability to "check the worst impulses of this administration," specifically mentioning the Epstein files, immunity protections, statements to anti-abortion groups, and the targeting of various individuals. Senator Cassidy, while critical of Blanche's role in settling Trump's IRS lawsuit, stated he believed Blanche would provide candid legal advice.
Blanche will now lead a Justice Department that has seen significant shifts during Trump's second term, including prosecutions of perceived political enemies and departures of career prosecutors. Supporters, like Senator Chuck Grassley, describe Blanche as a "tough, fair prosecutor dedicated to the rule of law."