Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as Trump’s attorney general in overnight vote

The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in an overnight 50-49 vote, solidifying the leadership of President Donald Trump's former personal attorney over the Justice Department. Blanche was confirmed despite opposition from every Democrat and two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who expressed concern over his ties to the president. The confirmation process was particularly contentious, fueled by a controversial settlement that would have created an anti-weaponization fund and granted immunity from tax audits to Trump and his allies. Under intense pressure, Blanche agreed in writing to rescind these plans to secure the necessary Republican votes for his approval. Supporters like Senator Bill Cassidy argued that Blanche's legal background makes him uniquely qualified to navigate the president's demands, while critics warn that his loyalty to Trump threatens the independence of the Justice Department. Since becoming acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen aggressive investigations into perceived political enemies, including the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. His tenure follows the firing of his predecessor, Pam Bondi, amid ongoing friction between the White House and the department's workforce. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, previously defended Trump during his New York hush money trial and two federal cases brought by the prior administration. The confirmation marks a significant step for the Trump administration's goal of reshaping the federal law enforcement agency. The debate highlighted deep divisions within the Senate regarding the proper balance between executive authority and the traditional autonomy of the Justice Department.