A razor-thin confirmation
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general early Saturday in a 50-49 vote. The vote came after an overnight session that tested the president's grip on his party. Blanche, who served as Trump's personal defense lawyer, becomes the nation's top law enforcement official. Two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against him. They joined every Democrat in opposition. The result is one of the closest confirmation votes for a Cabinet nominee in recent years.
From defense lawyer to top prosecutor
Blanche has moved through the Justice Department quickly. He was confirmed as deputy attorney general in March 2025 by a 52-46 vote. He became acting attorney general in April 2026 after the previous officeholder left. During his time at the department, Blanche has overseen policies that Democrats and some Republicans have questioned. Critics say his close ties to the president raise doubts about the independence of federal law enforcement. Supporters say he has the experience to manage the department and has worked to restore public trust.
What comes next
The confirmation gives Trump a trusted ally at the top of the Justice Department before the November midterm elections. Senators who opposed Blanche said they worried about political interference in criminal cases. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who appeared to waver at first, said he would vote to confirm. The narrow margin shows how fragile support for the nomination was inside the Republican conference. Blanche now faces a packed agenda, including the department's role in election security and ongoing investigations. His first weeks in office will be watched closely by both parties.