Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General, 50-49

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the nation's attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, August 8, 2026, placing a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump in permanent command of the Justice Department. The vote, conducted just before 4:30 a.m., ended a contentious confirmation process that highlighted deep concerns over the department's independence and was secured by the narrowest possible margin.

Blanche, who had been leading the department in an acting capacity since April, saw his nomination nearly derailed by two controversial actions he took as acting attorney general. The first was a proposed $1.8 billion fund, which critics labeled a "slush fund," intended to compensate individuals who felt mistreated by the criminal justice system. Opponents argued it could have been used to reward participants in the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. The second was a settlement granting Trump, his two eldest sons, and the Trump Organization immunity from IRS audits for past tax years.

These issues prompted significant Republican opposition. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced they would vote against confirmation. Murkowski...