Trump's Ex-Lawyer Todd Blanche Narrowly Confirmed as US Attorney General

Todd Blanche has been narrowly confirmed as the new US Attorney General following an overnight Senate vote, concluding a contentious confirmation process. The Senate approved Blanche's nomination in a 50-49 vote early on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) provided the decisive vote, while two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, joined all Democrats in opposition.

Blanche, who previously served as a lawyer for Donald Trump, had been leading the Department of Justice in an acting capacity since April 2, 2026, after former Attorney General Pam Bondi was dismissed. His confirmation faced considerable scrutiny and pushback from Democrats and some Republicans, who expressed concerns about the potential politicization of the Justice Department due to his close allegiance to President Trump. Despite these objections, his confirmation grants him a full term as the head of the Justice Department.