Todd Blanche, Trump's ex-lawyer, confirmed as US attorney general

August 8, 2026

The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal attorney, as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with two Republican senators opposing him. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy cast the decisive vote after prolonged deliberation, despite having voted to convict Trump during his 2021 impeachment proceedings. Blanche faced significant opposition over his involvement with Trump's controversial "anti-weaponization" fund and concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department, leading him to pledge to abandon the compensation fund.

Who is affected

Todd Blanche (confirmed as attorney general)
President Donald Trump (his former lawyer now leads Justice Department)
Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski (opposed confirmation)
Senator Bill Cassidy (cast deciding vote)
All Democratic senators (voted against confirmation)
Individuals who alleged government persecution (potentially affected by the anti-weaponization fund)
Those prosecuted for the January 6 Capitol attack (potential fund beneficiaries)
The Justice Department and its personnel

What action is being taken

The Senate is confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general through a 50-49 vote
All Democrats are voting against his nomination
Blanche is serving as acting attorney general since April

Why it matters

Blanche's confirmation as the nation's top law enforcement official is significant because of concerns about potential politicization of the Justice Department, given his role as Trump's former personal attorney. The controversy surrounding the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund raised fears it could compensate January 6 participants, threatening the department's independence. The narrow confirmation, decided by a senator whom Trump forced into retirement, highlights deep partisan divisions and questions about whether Blanche can maintain impartiality while serving a president he previously represented personally.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC