Trump’s former personal lawyer narrowly confirmed as US attorney general

The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as the United States attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday. Blanche, a former personal lawyer for President Donald Trump, faced bipartisan concerns regarding the politicization of the Justice Department and the independence of the office. Critics argued that installing a close Trump ally in this position could lead to the law enforcement agency being used to investigate political opponents. The confirmation followed a contentious fight, with some Republican senators raising questions about Blanche's past actions, including his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and his involvement in a Trump-backed fund. Blanche addressed these concerns by agreeing in writing to modify the tax-immunity agreement and end the fund payments.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote to confirm Todd Blanche as US Attorney General, ending a lengthy stand-off. Senators Collins and Murkowski initially withheld their support due to concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and Blanche's past involvement in settling a lawsuit with the IRS. Murkowski specifically cited a lack of confidence in Blanche to "check the worst impulses of this administration." Cassidy stated his trust in Blanche to provide candid legal advice to the President, emphasizing that the decision was about Blanche's qualifications in specific circumstances, not a referendum on President Trump. Cassidy believes Senate confirmation will empower Blanche to advocate for important initiatives, and he was also reluctant to hinder the department's efforts against violent crime.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced on Friday he will support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, a decision that clears a significant obstacle for Donald Trump's pick. This support came after weeks of scrutiny regarding the Justice Department's independence from the White House. Cassidy's backing proved crucial as Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski had stated her opposition, placing the nomination in a precarious position. Blanche's nomination faced considerable contention from both parties due to concerns about his independence, nearly preventing his confirmation.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, announced she will not vote to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General. Her opposition stems from concerns that the Trump administration might still proceed with a proposed fund to compensate January 6th rioters, despite Blanche confirming the fund is dead. Blanche, currently acting Attorney General and formerly Donald Trump's personal lawyer, had previously secured a Judiciary Committee vote by promising to end this controversial fund. With Senator Susan Collins also opposing Blanche, the confirmation now hinges on the single remaining undecided Republican vote from Senator Bill Cassidy. Murkowski's decision, despite Blanche's written confirmation of the fund's termination, reflects her lack of confidence in his ability to check the administration's impulses.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she will oppose Todd Blanche's nomination as Attorney General, citing concerns about the Trump administration's potential to revive a proposed fund to compensate allies who believe they were unfairly investigated. Murkowski stated that the Senate's leverage over this fund, which is contingent on Blanche's pending confirmation, would disappear if he is confirmed. This opposition, along with that of Senator Susan Collins, narrows Blanche's path to confirmation. Blanche had previously pledged to shelve the payout fund, a promise that secured his advancement through the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democrats, however, argue that Blanche's rescission of the fund is insufficient and have called for legislative action to permanently block it.