Todd Blanche sworn in as attorney general after bruising confirmation battle

Todd Blanche, once Donald Trump's personal lawyer, has officially taken the helm as attorney general following a contentious confirmation battle. The Senate confirmed him by a razor-thin 50-49 vote, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. They cited concerns over the Justice Department's increasing politicization under the Republican president.

Blanche, who has been leading the department in an acting capacity since April, was sworn in at the White House. He now faces the significant task of managing a department grappling with staff departures and mounting pushback from the courts. His tenure will be closely watched as President Trump has openly expressed a desire to use the law enforcement agency against political opponents.

Despite bipartisan concerns, Blanche has consistently defended the Trump administration against accusations of weaponizing the Justice Department. He maintains he feels no pressure from the president and views Trump's interest in DOJ matters as his right and duty. Blanche's supporters believe his close relationship with Trump, forged during his defense of the president in multiple criminal cases, could enable him to better resist presidential demands than his predecessor.

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his right and his duty