US Senate Confirms Trump Loyalist Todd Blanche as Attorney General

The U.S. Senate has narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as the nation's attorney general, with a 50-49 vote solidifying his position as the country's top law enforcement officer. The confirmation came after a last-minute shift from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who supplied the crucial deciding vote. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, however, joined the chamber's Democrats in opposing Blanche's appointment.

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the country was in need of an attorney general "who will check the worst impulses of this administration."

Senator Murkowski explained her opposition, stating the country needs an attorney general "who will check the worst impulses of this administration." Conversely, Senator Cassidy argued that Blanche's relationship with President Trump could enable him to effectively push back against the president's demands. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal defense lawyer and acting attorney general since April, expressed his honor at the trust placed in him by President Trump.

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I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice as our great nation's 88th attorney general.

Significant concerns were raised during Senate hearings regarding whether Blanche will serve as the nation's lawyer or as Trump's personal counsel. Critics, including Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, voiced worries that Blanche continues to act as the president's lawyer, treating the Justice Department as a firm serving a single client. Durbin emphasized the critical need for an attorney general "above reproach" dedicated to ending corruption, especially at this moment in history.

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The attorney general is supposed to be the people's lawyer.

During his tenure, Trump has frequently expressed dissatisfaction with attorneys general who did not aggressively pursue his agenda or act against political opponents. Figures like Jeff Sessions, Bill Barr, and Pam Bondi ultimately fell out of favor for not fully meeting Trump's legal desires. Blanche is perceived as a staunch ally willing to carry out the president's directives. He secured votes by promising to dismantle the '1776 fund' and a Trump tax immunity scheme. Blanche had previously defended Trump in criminal cases related to business record falsification and the mishandling of classified documents.

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Mr. Blanche, continues to operate as the president's personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department like a law firm serving one client, the president.