Sunday, August 9, 2026

Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 vote held in the early hours of Saturday morning, capping a contentious confirmation process. Blanche, who previously served as President Donald Trump's personal criminal defense attorney, will lead a Justice Department that has faced significant vacancies and controversies. The confirmation came after several Republican holdouts ultimately backed Blanche following assurances related to concerns about his independence and his role in a controversial IRS settlement deal.