The Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as the permanent Attorney General on Saturday, with a 50-49 vote. Blanche, who has been serving as acting Attorney General, secured the position under President Trump.
Two Republicans, Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, joined all Democrats in voting against Blanche's confirmation. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, spoke in favor of Blanche's nomination, citing his "impressive background" and "proven track record."
Blanche's path to confirmation was uncertain, with concerns raised by senators from both parties regarding his handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and a Department of Justice order from May 19. This order authorized a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and granted Trump, his family, and their business entities immunity from IRS audits as part of a settlement for a lawsuit filed by the president against the agency.
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on July 15, Blanche stated the fund was "dead." However, his confirmation vote was delayed after Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis requested written documentation affirming this and clarifying the IRS audit exemption for the president and his family.
Senators Murkowski and Collins cited Blanche's handling of the Epstein files, the Trump-IRS settlement, and what they described as an increasingly politicized Justice Department that targets political opponents of the president as reasons for their opposition.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who had previously voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial, cast the deciding vote. Cassidy expressed reservations about Blanche's judgment regarding the "anti-weaponization slush fund" and the IRS audit exemption, as well as concerns about the DOJ targeting political enemies. Despite these concerns, Cassidy ultimately voted to confirm Blanche.
Blanche, 51, a native of Colorado and former personal lawyer for Trump, has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April 2. He was elevated to the role after the president dismissed Pam Bondi.