Senate narrowly confirms Trump ally Todd Blanche as US Attorney General
The United States Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a close vote early on Saturday morning, August 8, 2026. The Republican-led chamber voted 50-49, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Mr. Blanche, who was already serving in an acting capacity, now takes full control of the Justice Department at a time when President Donald Trump has sought to use the agency to pursue his political agenda.
The confirmation caps a turbulent process that exposed concerns from both sides of the aisle about installing such a close ally of the President atop a department historically known for its independence. Mr. Blanche, who previously served as Mr. Trump's personal attorney, faced intense scrutiny over his loyalty and a controversial settlement involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The most contentious issue was a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund, part of a settlement of Mr. Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Critics said the fund would benefit individuals who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and others claiming mistreatment by the criminal justice system. The settlement also included provisions to shield Mr. Trump and his family from tax audits.
Under pressure from key Republican senators, Mr. Blanche formally rescinded the fund in writing and agreed to abandon the tax audit immunity provisions. That move unlocked a path to confirmation, but did not erase all doubts. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against him, joining all Democrats in opposition.
The decisive support came from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who announced his backing on Friday morning. Mr. Cassidy, who lost his primary this year to a Trump-backed challenger, argued that Mr. Blanche's unique experience as the President's former criminal defence lawyer could make him more effective at pushing back on White House demands. He urged his colleagues to view the decision as a judgement on Mr. Blanche, not a referendum on Mr. Trump.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, strongly opposed the confirmation. He called it a 'serious mistake' and said the country needs an Attorney General who is beyond reproach and committed to ending corruption at all levels of government.
The confirmation ended a bruising battle that began when Mr. Trump dismissed Pam Bondi as Attorney General in April. Mr. Blanche, as acting head, moved swiftly to accelerate investigations into the President's perceived opponents and advanced the controversial settlement. That deal nearly derailed his nomination until he reversed course under pressure from Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Critics, including some Republicans, have expressed concern that Mr. Blanche's close ties to Mr. Trump could undermine the Justice Department's tradition of prosecutorial independence. Supporters argue that his familiarity with the President allows him to navigate the administration's expectations while maintaining legal standards.
With his confirmation, Mr. Blanche is expected to continue leading the department with a focus on Mr. Trump's stated priorities. The narrow margin reflects deep divisions in the Senate over the direction of the Justice Department, and the broader debate about the balance between executive power and the rule of law remains unresolved.
