Alanna Durkin-Richer

The Republican-led Senate confirmed former Donald Trump lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general by a 50–49 vote, with every Democrat and Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposing him. Blanche secured the decisive support of Bill Cassidy after promising to abandon a proposed $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund and limit provisions shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits. Supporters cited his prosecutorial experience and ability to impose legal limits on Trump, while critics warned that his loyalty to the president could undermine Justice Department independence. Blanche had already been advancing Trump’s agenda as acting attorney general, including investigations of perceived political opponents, while the department experienced major staff losses and controversy over cases involving James Comey and other former officials.