RismadarVoice Reporters, August 9, 2026
The United States Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as the country’s 88th attorney general, ending weeks of uncertainty over his nomination amid concerns about his close relationship with President Donald Trump and his ability to maintain the independence of the Justice Department.
Mr Blanche was confirmed by a 50-49 vote early Saturday after an overnight Senate session. Two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined all Democratic senators in opposing his confirmation.
The confirmation makes Mr Blanche the permanent head of the U.S. Department of Justice after serving as acting attorney general since April, following Mr Trump’s removal of Pam Bondi.
Mr Blanche, a former personal lawyer to Mr Trump, became a controversial nominee because of his previous relationship with the president. Democrats and some Republicans questioned whether he could act independently when dealing with issues involving the president and his political opponents.
The controversy was heightened by Mr Blanche’s involvement in a disputed settlement arrangement linked to Mr Trump, including a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund that could have provided financial assistance to Trump allies who claimed they had been targeted by the federal government.
Mr Blanche had also approved part of the arrangement that would have shielded Mr Trump, members of his family and his businesses from certain tax audits.
Several Republican senators initially expressed reservations about his nomination but eventually backed him after receiving assurances, including a commitment to rescind the $1.8 billion fund. Senators Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis were among those who ultimately supported his confirmation.
However, concerns over the fund have not completely disappeared, as a legal provision could potentially allow it to be revived.
Democrats remained firmly opposed to Mr Blanche’s appointment. Senator Adam Schiff argued that the nominee had failed to demonstrate that he could separate his responsibilities as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer from his previous role as Mr Trump’s criminal defence lawyer.
The prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey has also added to scrutiny of Mr Blanche’s leadership of the Justice Department. Mr Comey was indicted after a social media post that critics interpreted as a threat against Mr Trump.
Mr Blanche’s supporters maintain that his legal experience and familiarity with the president qualify him to lead the department and pursue the administration’s priorities.
His appointment comes against the backdrop of Mr Trump’s previous conflicts with attorneys general who resisted political pressure.
During Trump’s first presidency, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was forced out after disagreements over his decision to recuse himself from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. His successor, William Barr, later left office amid tensions over Trump’s efforts to challenge his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.
Mr Blanche’s tenure is therefore expected to face intense scrutiny, particularly over cases involving Mr Trump, his political opponents and other matters that could test the Justice Department’s independence.
Following the vote, Mr Blanche thanked Mr Trump and senators for their confidence, describing his confirmation as an honour.
He now assumes permanent control of an agency at the centre of some of the most politically sensitive legal battles in the United States, with his actions likely to determine whether the Justice Department maintains its traditional independence or becomes more closely aligned with the White House.
