Alanna Durkin Richer

Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, was sworn in as attorney general at the White House after the Senate confirmed him by the narrowest of margins. Emil Bove administered the oath. The confirmation fight exposed bipartisan concerns that the Justice Department could become more politicized under Trump, particularly as Blanche takes charge of investigations involving Trump opponents and other administration targets. Blanche has defended his loyalty to Trump while saying his experience convinced him of the need to oppose the president's demands when necessary, though critics remain skeptical.