Senate Republicans Narrowly Confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General

Senate Republicans confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a tight 50-49 vote on Saturday, ending weeks of contentious negotiations that nearly derailed one of the most difficult cabinet confirmations of Trump’s second term.

Close Vote Reflects Deep Divisions

Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against Blanche, while Senator Bill Cassidy provided the deciding vote after announcing Friday he believed Blanche was the best option Trump would offer. Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, previously running day-to-day Justice Department operations as its second-ranking official.

Concerns Over Independence and Epstein Files

Senators raised concerns over Blanche’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and his role in creating Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund alongside a tax-immunity agreement for Trump and his sons. Blanche ultimately agreed in writing to narrow the tax-immunity deal and end the weaponization payments, though questions remain about whether that commitment is legally enforceable. Murkowski cited concerns about Blanche’s ability to resist the administration’s worst impulses, while Cassidy said he trusted Blanche despite criticizing his role in settling Trump’s IRS lawsuit.

Department Under Scrutiny

Under Blanche’s leadership, the Justice Department has pursued prosecutions of Trump’s perceived opponents and seen significant departures of career staff, drawing criticism from federal judges over weak cases. Supporters, including Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, praised Blanche’s commitment to the department’s mission and credited him with helping bring crime rates down.