A narrow path to confirmation
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as US attorney general early Saturday morning in a 50-49 vote. The result ended weeks of uncertainty over one of the most contested cabinet nominations of President Donald Trump's second term.
Blanche is Trump's former criminal defense lawyer. He has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April. His confirmation gives him a full mandate to run the department and pursue the administration's agenda.
Opposition from within the GOP
The vote was close because Blanche drew rare public opposition from members of his own party. Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted no. Both cited concerns about his independence and his close ties to the president.
The deciding vote came from Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Cassidy announced Friday that he would support Blanche, saying he believed Blanche was the best option Trump would put forward. Republicans could afford to lose only two votes, so Cassidy's support cleared the path.
Democrats opposed the nomination as well. They argued that Blanche's past work for Trump raised questions about whether the Justice Department would act without political interference.
What comes next at the Justice Department
Blanche becomes the second confirmed attorney general since Trump returned to the White House. He takes over a department that has faced turnover and internal pressure over the past year.
Supporters say Blanche will bring stability and experience to the role. Critics say his confirmation hands the president a loyalist at the top of federal law enforcement. Either way, the department now has a confirmed leader, and the fight over its direction is likely to continue in the months ahead.