Trump loyalist Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in President Donald Trump’s effort to consolidate power within the Department of Justice. The vote passed by a razor-thin margin of 50-49, with Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joining all Democrats in opposing the nomination. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, will now officially take charge of the nation’s top law enforcement agency. His confirmation comes amid intense scrutiny over his role in advancing Trump’s legal interests and the potential politicization of the DOJ. Blanche’s path to confirmation was fraught with controversy. Initially, his nomination had stalled due to concerns raised by Republican senators regarding two key issues: the proposed creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation fund” aimed at compensating individuals targeted in politically motivated prosecutions, and a controversial plan to grant Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization tax immunity. These proposals sparked unease among some GOP lawmakers, who feared they could undermine the independence of the Justice Department. In response to mounting pressure, Blanche issued a written assurance that the anti-weaponisation fund would not proceed and clarified that the tax immunity agreement would only cover past tax years, not future filings. This concession helped secure support from key Republicans such as John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had initially expressed reservations. Despite these assurances, critics argue that the measures remain vague and lack enforceable guarantees. Blanche’s confirmation hearing earlier this month revealed further tensions. During questioning, he faced sharp criticism over the mishandling of sensitive files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose case has drawn widespread attention. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse expressed frustration with the Department of Justice’s approach, noting that their identities had been improperly disclosed while critical information remained hidden. Blanche initially declined to meet directly with Epstein victims but later agreed to do so, though survivors described the encounter as lacking meaningful engagement. Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche represented Trump in multiple high-profile legal battles. He played a central role in defending the former president during his New York trial involving allegations of hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Additionally, Blanche was part of the legal team that defended Trump in two federal investigations led by special counsel Jack Smith, one concerning the mishandling of classified documents following Trump’s departure from the White House, and another focusing on attempts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Both cases were dismissed after Trump secured victory in the 2024 election. Critics argue that Blanche’s presence at the helm of the Justice Department signals a continued shift toward using federal law enforcement as a tool for political retribution. Under his leadership, the department has pursued legal action against several of Trump’s political adversaries, including former FBI director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The department has also sought to bring criminal charges against two Democratic senators, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, though these efforts have largely been unsuccessful. Democratic lawmakers have consistently opposed Blanche’s nomination, arguing that his appointment represents a dangerous precedent for the independence of the Justice Department. Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized Blanche for continuing to function as Trump’s personal attorney rather than as the impartial guardian of the rule of law. “The attorney general is supposed to be the people’s lawyer,” Durbin stated, emphasizing that Blanche’s actions risk transforming the DOJ into a partisan entity. Despite the opposition, Blanche has expressed gratitude for the Senate’s confirmation, stating that he is “deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me.” He pledged to uphold the mission of the Department of Justice, vowing to work alongside its staff to ensure the safety and security of the American people. However, many observers remain skeptical about his ability to maintain the integrity of the institution given his deep ties to the Trump administration.