Todd Blanche sworn in as U.S. Attorney General after narrow Senate confirmation

Todd Blanche officially assumed the role of U.S. Attorney General on Monday, taking the oath of office at the White House following a closely contested Senate confirmation. Blanche, who previously served as President Trump's defense lawyer, was sworn in by Judge Emil Bove, a former colleague from Trump's legal team.

Blanche has been acting attorney general since April, following the ouster of Pam Bondi. His nomination for the nation's top law enforcement position came in June. The Senate confirmed his appointment early Saturday morning after a lengthy session, just before the August recess. His prospects had been uncertain for weeks, with Democrats opposing his nomination and several Republicans voicing concerns.

A primary point of contention for some Republicans was the Justice Department's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, intended to provide payouts to individuals who claimed to have been wronged by the federal government. Despite Blanche testifying in June that the fund was "dead," concerns persisted among senators like John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.

However, opposition from these senators, as well as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, was overcome when Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced his support. Cassidy's vote proved decisive, tipping the balance in a 50-49 vote. He explained his decision by stating the choice was not between perfection and Blanche, but between Blanche and another acting attorney general who might not manage the department as effectively under President Trump.

Blanche's appointment marks his rise within Trump's circle. He joined Trump's legal defense team in 2023, notably after Trump's indictment in a case related to 2016 "hush money" payments. Trump had previously nominated Blanche as deputy attorney general shortly after winning the election.

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Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche. It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump and who indeed may not be as good as Mr. Blanche.