Senate confirms Trump's controversial nominee as U.S. Attorney General

The U.S. Senate has confirmed a controversial nominee for Attorney General, concluding a weeks-long debate marked by significant opposition. The nominee's past involvement as Donald Trump's personal lawyer and participation in disputed agreements fueled the controversy.

Central to the criticism was a $1.8 billion fund established by Trump and an associated tax immunity arrangement. Critics labeled the fund a "slush fund" for Trump's allies, while the agreement protected Trump, his sons, and their family businesses from IRS tax audits. To secure the votes needed for confirmation, the nominee committed in writing to restrict the tax agreement and cease payments from the fund.

Further scrutiny focused on the nominee's handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Having served as acting Attorney General since April, the nominee now permanently leads a department that has seen considerable shifts during Trump's second term. Under the nominee's interim leadership, the Justice Department has pursued prosecutions against perceived opponents of Trump, and numerous experienced prosecutors have departed. The department has also abandoned its long-standing tradition of political independence from the administration.