Trump ex-lawyer Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general

Todd Blanche, who previously represented Donald Trump in criminal trials, has been confirmed as the US attorney general. The Senate approved his nomination with a narrow 50-49 vote, largely along party lines, as Republicans dismissed Democratic concerns over the potential politicization of the Justice Department under his leadership.

Democrats had opposed Blanche's appointment, arguing that his continued association with Trump, even in an acting capacity, blurred the lines between the president's personal legal counsel and the nation's top law enforcement officer. Senator Dick Durbin criticized Blanche for treating the Justice Department like a "law firm serving one client, the president."

The confirmation process involved significant debate over two key issues: a proposed $1.8 billion fund for victims of alleged "politicized prosecutions" and an agreement granting Trump immunity from tax audits. To secure the necessary votes, Blanche agreed to cancel the "anti-weaponization fund" and stipulated that the audit immunity would only apply retroactively, not to future filings.

Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April, following the dismissal of his predecessor. His tenure has been marked by accusations from Democrats of a "retribution" campaign against Trump's opponents. Additionally, Blanche has faced criticism from victims of Jeffrey Epstein regarding his handling of investigative files related to the convicted sex offender.

“

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.