Former Trump lawyer: Senate committee votes for Todd Blanche as US attorney general

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved the nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general, marking a key step toward his permanent appointment. The vote came with a narrow majority of twelve to ten votes, all aligned with Republican senators. Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general following the removal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, will now face a final confirmation vote in the full Senate. This decision follows months of political maneuvering and legal disputes involving former President Donald Trump. Blanche’s nomination was initially stalled due to concerns raised by two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who threatened to block his confirmation unless the Department of Justice formally renounced plans to fund a controversial compensation program for Trump allies. The program, which had been linked to individuals accused of participating in the January 6 Capitol attack, aimed to provide financial support to those claiming they were politically persecuted under previous administrations. Blanche responded by ordering the cancellation of the program, which totaled over $2 billion when converted to U.S. currency. Despite this move, Democratic lawmakers argue the plan could still be revived after his confirmation and have called for legislative action to permanently block its reinstatement. Another contentious issue during the negotiations centered on protections for Trump and his family against future tax investigations. Cornyn and Tillis demanded assurances that such protections would apply only retroactively to existing claims and not extend to new tax filings. Blanche adjusted his proposal accordingly, limiting the scope of these protections in his latest directive. However, critics from both parties remain skeptical, arguing that the changes do not fully address their concerns. Democratic lawmakers have consistently opposed Blanche's nomination, citing his close ties to Trump and perceived bias in favor of the former president. They point to past actions, including his role in handling documents related to the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein, as evidence of his one-sided approach to justice. Democrats claim Blanche has helped Trump evade accountability by supporting legal strategies that shield him from scrutiny. These allegations have intensified calls for greater oversight of the Department of Justice under Blanche’s leadership. The confirmation process faces additional uncertainty due to the health status of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is recovering from a recent hospitalization. If McConnell remains unavailable for the final vote, Blanche could secure confirmation with just two Republican votes, despite potential opposition from some members of his own party. The outcome will depend largely on whether McConnell returns in time to cast his vote, which remains unclear at this stage. As the Senate prepares for its final deliberation, the broader implications of Blanche’s confirmation continue to spark debate. His appointment represents a continuation of policies favored by the Trump administration, particularly regarding executive authority and judicial independence. With the confirmation process nearing completion, the nation awaits the final decision on whether Blanche will assume the role of attorney general.