Trump nominates Todd Blanche as permanent Attorney General

President Donald Trump announced his intent to formally nominate Todd Blanche, the current acting attorney general, to serve as the permanent head of the U.S. Department of Justice. The announcement, made during a White House event, would elevate Trump's former personal defense lawyer to the nation's top law enforcement official.

Blanche assumed the role of acting attorney general in early April after Trump removed former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The president has publicly praised Blanche's performance, stating he is doing a very good job. The nomination, however, faces a potential challenge in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that confirmation is not a certainty, noting the current political environment.

The acting attorney general has been a central figure in several high-profile and controversial actions. He has overseen fraud investigations and policy initiatives, including indictments against the Southern Poverty Law Center and former FBI Director James Comey. Blanche also recently confirmed the Justice Department is investigating whether past criminal cases against Trump were part of a coordinated...