Blanche seeks to rally a depleted Justice Department workforce in first speech as attorney general

Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, was sworn in as attorney general on Monday at the White House. The confirmation followed a contentious Senate vote of 50-49, with two Republicans opposing the appointment due to concerns about the Justice Department's politicization under President Trump. Emil Bove, another former Trump lawyer and now a federal appeal court judge, administered the oath. Blanche has been leading the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April. He now faces the challenge of managing an agency experiencing departures and pushback from courts, while also navigating the president's desire to target political opponents.

Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, has been sworn in as Attorney General following a contentious Senate confirmation. The vote was narrowly decided 50-49, with two Republicans expressing concerns about the Justice Department's increasing politicization under Trump. Blanche, who has been acting Attorney General since April, will now officially lead the department, which has experienced significant staff turnover and faces judicial pushback. He has previously overseen investigations into Trump's political opponents and defended the administration against accusations of weaponizing the Justice Department. Blanche stated he feels no pressure from Trump and views the president's interest in Justice Department matters as his right and duty. His nomination was nearly derailed by concerns over a settlement related to Trump's IRS lawsuit, but proceeded after the administration rescinded plans for a compensation fund.

Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has been sworn in as the US Attorney General following a narrow Senate confirmation vote. Blanche, who has been serving as acting attorney general since April, was officially confirmed in a White House ceremony. He previously represented Trump in criminal matters and joined the administration as deputy attorney general in early 2025. Since taking over as acting attorney general, Blanche has overseen departures of prosecutors and faced courtroom setbacks. His predecessor, Pam Bondi, was ousted due to Trump's frustration with the Department of Justice's actions against political opponents. The Senate confirmed Blanche's nomination with a 50-49 vote, with all Democrats and two Republican senators voting against him.

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.

The Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 vote early Saturday morning. Blanche, formerly President Donald Trump's personal attorney, will now lead the Justice Department. His confirmation followed a contentious fight, with concerns raised by both Democrats and some Republicans about his close ties to Trump and the department's independence. Two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, opposed his nomination. Senator Bill Cassidy's support was crucial for Blanche's confirmation, swayed by written assurances from Blanche to abandon a controversial settlement fund and tax audit immunity deal. Blanche has already been serving as acting Attorney General and his confirmation could allow him to more aggressively pursue the Trump administration's agenda.

The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General, a significant development for President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote, with two other Republicans opposing the nomination and all Democrats voting against it. Blanche's confirmation followed weeks of debate, including concerns from some senators about a $1.8 billion fund and tax immunity for the president and his sons. He also faced criticism regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files and has been involved in actions seen as politicizing the Department of Justice. Blanche previously served as Trump's personal lawyer and acting Attorney General.