Blanche had already been leading the Department of Justice in an acting capacity since April, following the removal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The United States Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former defense attorney, as the country’s Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote, concluding weeks of intense political debate over the leadership and independence of the Department of Justice.
The vote, which took place early Saturday morning, saw near-total party-line alignment. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined all Senate Democrats in opposing the nomination, while Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the decisive vote in favor of Blanche.
Blanche had already been leading the Department of Justice in an acting capacity since April, following the removal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Prior to joining federal service, Blanche gained national prominence as a lead member of Trump’s legal defense team during his criminal trials.
