Senate narrowly confirms Todd Blanche as US Attorney General amid controversy

Todd Blanche has been confirmed as the United States Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote in the Senate, concluding one of the most divisive cabinet confirmation battles of Donald Trump's second term. The nomination faced significant bipartisan concerns about Mr. Blanche's independence, nearly derailing his appointment.

Mr. Blanche, who has been serving in an acting capacity, now assumes the role officially. His confirmation could empower him to more aggressively pursue the Trump administration's agenda. The Justice Department has historically prided itself on its independence from the White House, a principle that was central to the debate surrounding Mr. Blanche's nomination.

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I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me.

The confirmation fight exposed deep reservations from both Democrats and some Republicans about placing a close Trump ally at the head of the Justice Department. Ultimately, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the two Republicans who voted against Mr. Blanche.

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This is not a referendum on President Trump. It is a decision regarding Mr Blanche in very specific circumstances.

Mr. Blanche expressed his honor on social media, thanking President Trump for his trust and the senators for their late-night confirmation efforts. The path to confirmation was notably difficult, partly due to Republican concerns over a controversial settlement related to Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Mr. Blanche had to provide written assurances that the department would drop Trump's proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for allies and limit measures shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, cast the decisive vote in favor of Mr. Blanche, arguing that no other nominee might be better suited to lead the department under Trump. He suggested Blanche's background as Trump's former defense lawyer could make him more effective in managing the president's demands. However, top Democrat Senator Dick Durbin called the confirmation a "serious mistake," urging colleagues to ensure an Attorney General dedicated to ending corruption, especially at the highest government levels.

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If there is ever a moment in history when we need an attorney general above reproach, who is clearly dedicated to ending corruption, even at the highest level of our government, it's right now.