Blanche's nomination sets up a test of Trump's sway over Senate Republicans, who have shown an increasing willingness to resist parts of his agenda after months of largely acceding to his demands.

Blanche previously served as a criminal defense lawyer for President Trump.

Currently acting attorney general, Todd Blanche may face an uphill confirmation battle from some wary Republican senators.

Blanche emerged as one of Trump's most prominent legal defenders during the president's criminal cases following his first term in office.