Todd Blanche sworn in as US Attorney General after weeks of contention

Todd Blanche has officially been sworn in as the United States Attorney General following a closely contested Senate vote. The confirmation, which passed with a narrow 50-49 majority, underscores the contentious nature of his appointment.

Blanche, a staunch loyalist of former President Donald Trump and previously his personal attorney, faced significant scrutiny. His appointment was shadowed by criticism, particularly concerning his role in controversial financial agreements established during Trump's tenure. Notably, a $1.8 billion fund and a related tax immunity agreement drew sharp criticism, with opponents labeling the fund a "slush fund" for Trump's allies.

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I am deeply honored by the trust President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice.

To secure the necessary votes for his confirmation, Blanche made written commitments to modify the tax agreement and cease payments from the fund. These concessions were crucial in swaying key senators, including Senator Bill Cassidy, who only committed his support on Friday.

Blanche has been serving as the interim Attorney General since April. His predecessor, Pam Bondi, was dismissed partly due to criticism over the handling of investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. "I am deeply honored by the trust President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice," Blanche stated on X after the vote. "I thank the Senate for staying late into the night to conclude this process."

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I thank the Senate for staying late into the night to conclude this process.