Todd Blanche Confirmed as Attorney General Amid Controversy

Todd Blanche’s journey to becoming attorney general concluded with a narrow 50-49 Senate vote on Saturday. Serving as acting attorney general since April after Pam Bondi’s removal, Blanche faced a challenging path to confirmation, sparking debate over his past as President Donald Trump’s lawyer.

Key Moments Leading to Confirmation

Blanche’s confirmation was fraught with uncertainty. Senators raised concerns about his previous role as Trump’s personal lawyer and his involvement in a contentious IRS settlement. The decisive vote occurred at 4 a.m. during a protracted late-night session. The outcome largely followed party lines, two Republicans siding with Democrats to oppose Blanche.

Senators Opposed to Blanche’s Appointment

All Democratic and independent senators voted against confirming Blanche. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, Tammy Baldwin, and others expressed disapproval. Notably, Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined them.

Murkowski highlighted Blanche’s actions as a main cause of concern, citing the increasing politicization of the Justice Department.

Collins noted reservations about Blanche’s influence on IRS audits favoring Trump and the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.

Republicans’ Shifting Support

Previously resistant Republicans, Senators Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis, eventually supported Blanche. Their decision followed reassurances that Blanche would cancel the contentious anti-weaponization fund. Cassidy emphasized collaboration with former attorney general William Barr in evaluating Blanche’s commitment to impartiality.

Rationale Behind Collins and Murkowski’s Votes

Collins described Blanche as a “capable lawyer” but criticized the Department of Justice’s growing politicization. Murkowski pointed to decisions she felt lacked confidence, notably Blanche’s stance on the Epstein files and protections granted to Trump amid IRS settlements.

Despite recognizing his efforts while acting attorney general, Murkowski expressed doubts about Blanche’s ability to curb the administration’s impulses.

Reactions to the Confirmation

Following the vote, Blanche expressed gratitude on social media, acknowledging the trust placed in him by President Trump and the Senate.

I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice as our great nation’s 88th Attorney General.

This confirmation closes one chapter in Blanche’s legal career and opens another in his service as attorney general, a role engulfed in political and legal crossfires.