Senate panel approves Trump ex-lawyer Blanche for US attorney general

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, on Tuesday. The panel voted 12-10 along party lines to approve Blanche, who is Trump's former personal lawyer.

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Todd Blanche has no business serving as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer.

Blanche's confirmation had faced hurdles due to concerns raised by Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. They worried about a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of politically motivated prosecutions and a tax audit immunity deal granted to Trump. Over the weekend, Blanche issued a written order to eliminate the "anti-weaponization fund." He also stated the audit immunity agreement with Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization would only apply retroactively to past tax years, not future ones.

Democrats, however, remain opposed. Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the committee, criticized Blanche's nomination, stating he "has no business serving as our nation's chief law enforcement officer." Durbin argued that the attorney general should represent the people, not the president, and that Blanche continues to act as Trump's personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department as his law firm.

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The attorney general is supposed to be the people’s lawyer. Mr Blanche continues to operate as the president’s personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department like a law firm serving one client, the president.

Vice President JD Vance expressed support for Blanche on X, stating he "will continue to serve the American people and the Trump Administration loyally, and he will make a great Attorney General." The full Senate, where Republicans hold a majority, is expected to vote on Blanche's confirmation later this week. He has been serving as acting attorney general since April.

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Blanche will continue to serve the American people and the Trump Administration loyally, and he will make a great Attorney General.