Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general in a 50‑49 Senate vote, giving President Donald Trump a loyal law‑enforcement chief for the next term and solidifying the administration’s control over the Justice Department and the department’s independence from the White House is now in question.
The confirmation came after a late‑night session on August 8, with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy casting the deciding vote. Only Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed Blanche, joining all Democrats. Blanche had served as acting attorney general since April, following the dismissal of Pam Bondi.
Blanche’s confirmation raises concerns that the Justice Department will be used to investigate Trump allies’ political enemies and may revive the controversial $1.8 bn anti‑weaponization fund and IRS tax‑audit immunity deal, potentially eroding the department’s independence and increasing partisan scrutiny.
It remains unclear whether Blanche’s written pledge to abandon the $1.8 bn fund will be legally binding or if Trump could later persuade him to revive a similar scheme under another name.