US Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general

The United States Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, placing President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer at the head of the Justice Department after a narrow vote.

The confirmation was reported on August 8, 2026, by Al Jazeera and The Guardian. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana supplied the decisive support, while Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats in opposing the nomination.

Blanche’s nomination had been delayed amid concerns from some Republican senators about Justice Department independence and a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis supported the nomination after Blanche provided written assurances that the fund would not proceed and clarified the scope of a related tax arrangement.

Blanche previously served as deputy attorney general and acting attorney general. He left private practice in 2023 to represent Trump and later joined the administration.

Opponents said his record raised concerns about the department’s political independence. Supporters described him as a capable lawyer who could run the department effectively. His confirmation gives the administration a permanent attorney general after a period in which Blanche led the department in an acting capacity.