Trump’s ex-lawyer set for US attorney general confirmation

Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, is poised for confirmation as the U.S. attorney general, overcoming Democratic objections concerning the politicization of the Justice Department. Blanche has been serving in an acting capacity as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

His confirmation faced potential embarrassment due to the narrow Republican majority in the Senate. Initially, two Republican senators indicated they would not support him, leaving his confirmation uncertain until Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support on live television. This development is expected to secure Blanche's confirmation by the slimmest of margins, with all Democrats anticipated to vote against him.

Democrats have opposed Blanche since the outset, accusing Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department. Senator Dick Durbin criticized Blanche's continued role, stating, "Mr Blanche continues to operate as the president’s personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department like a law firm serving one client, the president."

Key sticking points during the confirmation process included Blanche's proposal for a $1.8 billion fund for individuals Trump considers victims of politicized prosecutions and an extraordinary proposal for Trump's immunity from tax audits. Blanche reportedly defused internal party opposition by issuing a written order to scrap the "anti-weaponization fund" and limiting the audit immunity agreement to past tax years. Blanche has been acting attorney general since April, following Trump's dismissal of Pam Bondi.

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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.