WASHINGTON, United States — The US Senate early Saturday confirmed Todd Blanche as the country’s 88th attorney general, ending weeks of uncertainty over his nomination. Blanche, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, secured confirmation in a 50-49 vote after a late-night Senate session that continued past 4 a.m.
Key Highlights
- Todd Blanche was confirmed as US attorney general by a 50-49 Senate vote.
- Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all Democrats in opposing his confirmation.
- Earlier Republican holdouts backed Blanche after receiving assurances, including an order rescinding the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
- Blanche’s close ties to Trump had raised bipartisan concerns about the Justice Department’s independence.
Blanche Wins Confirmation After Late-Night Senate Vote
The Senate vote took place shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday as lawmakers continued a late-night session before a planned recess. Blanche’s confirmation came after several weeks of uncertainty surrounding his nomination.
Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against him. All Democratic senators also opposed the nomination, resulting in the 50-49 final vote.
Following the vote, Blanche said he was honored by Trump’s confidence in appointing him to lead the Justice Department and expressed gratitude to senators for completing the confirmation process.
Anti-Weaponization Fund Became Major Obstacle
Blanche’s confirmation had faced particular scrutiny over his role in the so-called anti-weaponization fund. The fund was established in connection with a purported settlement between Trump, as a private citizen, and the federal government he now controls.
The fund could have been used to provide money to Trump allies who alleged that they had been victims of government overreach. That group included individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
Blanche had also approved another part of the deal that provided Trump, members of his family and his businesses with immunity from tax audits, according to the supplied report.
Republican Holdouts Eventually Backed Blanche
Republican senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had previously raised objections to Blanche’s nomination.
They ultimately supported his confirmation after receiving various assurances from the nominee. One of the key measures was an order rescinding the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
However, the supplied report noted that a legal loophole could potentially allow the fund to be revived.
Concerns Over Blanche’s Relationship With Trump
Blanche’s previous role as Trump’s personal attorney became another major point of contention during the confirmation process.
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California argued that Blanche had not demonstrated sufficient independence from Trump and questioned whether he could separate his previous role as the president’s criminal defense lawyer from his responsibilities as the nation’s top law enforcement official.
“The problem with confirming Todd Blanche is that he has never been able to shed his role as criminal defense lawyer for Donald Trump.”
Schiff made the remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Blanche’s nomination.
Blanche Had Already Been Running the Justice Department
Blanche took over as acting attorney general in April after Trump removed former Attorney General Pam Bondi. The supplied report said Trump had become frustrated with Bondi over what he viewed as insufficient action by the Justice Department against his political opponents.
While serving in an acting capacity, Blanche told NBC News in April that Americans should be “happy” with Trump’s involvement in the Justice Department’s operations.
His subsequent confirmation now gives him the permanent position of attorney general, placing him at the head of the federal department responsible for enforcing US law.
Critics Question Future DOJ Independence
Blanche’s confirmation has also intensified questions over whether the Justice Department will maintain independence from Trump’s political objectives.
Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson told NBC News before the confirmation that she was concerned Blanche could become more aggressive in pursuing Trump’s campaign of retribution against political opponents.
“The biggest concern is whether he is now going to be emboldened to go even more gung-ho on Trump’s campaign of using the Justice Department for retribution.”
Levenson also said there were no effective guardrails, according to the supplied report.
Comey Indictment Adds to Concerns
The debate over Blanche’s independence comes after the Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey in the weeks following Bondi’s departure.
Comey is accused of threatening the president’s life by posting a photograph of seashells arranged in the form of “8647” on Instagram.
The case has become part of the wider debate over the department’s approach to Trump’s political opponents and whether the Justice Department could be used to pursue the president’s adversaries.
Trump’s First-Term Attorneys General Provide Background
Blanche’s confirmation also comes against the backdrop of Trump’s strained relationships with attorneys general during his first term.
Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was forced out after the 2018 midterm elections, with Trump’s frustration over Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election playing a role.
That investigation ultimately produced the Mueller report.
Former Attorney General William Barr also left office after Trump sought to enlist the Justice Department in efforts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. That campaign culminated in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
What Blanche’s Confirmation Means
Blanche’s confirmation removes the uncertainty surrounding the permanent leadership of the Justice Department after months marked by political controversy and questions over the department’s independence.
His tenure will now be closely watched, particularly over how the Justice Department handles investigations involving Trump’s political opponents and whether Blanche maintains a distinction between his former role as Trump’s lawyer and his responsibilities as attorney general.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Senate vote on Todd Blanche’s confirmation?
The Senate confirmed Blanche by a 50-49 vote. Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against him alongside all Democratic senators.
Why was Todd Blanche’s confirmation controversial?
The controversy centered on Blanche’s close relationship with Trump, his previous role as Trump’s personal attorney and concerns over his handling of the anti-weaponization fund and the independence of the Justice Department.
What Happens Next?
With his confirmation, Blanche will serve as the 88th US attorney general. His leadership of the Justice Department is expected to face continued scrutiny over the department’s independence, its handling of politically sensitive investigations and its relationship with the White House.
