Trump loyalist Todd Blanche confirmed by Senate as US attorney general | Trump administration
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-08 07:34:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump Secures Confirmation of Personal Attorney Todd Blanche as Attorney General
In a significant victory for Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche—Trump’s former personal attorney—as attorney general, placing a close Trump ally at the helm of the nation’s law enforcement. The Republican-led Senate voted 50-49, with Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana casting the deciding vote after two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined all Democrats in opposing the nomination.
Blanche, who has already been leading the Justice Department in an acting capacity, was at the center of controversy over a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” and a deal granting tax immunity to the president, his sons, and his businesses. The fund, which critics labeled a “slush fund,” was reportedly intended to reward January 6 protesters, according to Senator Murkowski, who cited this as a reason for her opposition.
The confirmation process highlighted deep divisions over the politicization of the Justice Department under Trump. Scores of career attorneys have left the department during Blanche’s tenure, and judges across the country have rebuked department lawyers for misrepresentations to the court. Blanche has also been instrumental in Trump’s efforts to use the Justice Department to pursue political rivals, including indictments against former FBI director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center—cases widely viewed as lacking in substance.
Blanche’s leadership has also been criticized for mishandling files related to Jeffrey Epstein, with inappropriate redactions and the exposure of victims’ names. During his confirmation hearing, Blanche initially refused to meet with Epstein victims, later relenting but providing few answers.
Blanche’s close relationship with Trump is clear. He left a lucrative partnership to represent Trump in 2023 and has described working for Trump as “the greatest honor of a lifetime.” In April, he stated, “If he chooses to nominate somebody else and asks me to go do something else, I will say, ‘Thank you very much. I love you, sir.’ I don’t have any goals or aspirations beyond that.”
The confirmation drew sharp criticism from Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, who said Republicans have “handed Trump an excuse on a silver platter” to continue his “pervasive, breathtaking corruption” by confirming his personal attorney as attorney general. Schumer argued, “If you want to wipe out corruption, you can’t have the president’s personal attorney as the attorney general. You don’t need a PhD in political science to know that.”
Blanche’s confirmation cements Trump’s influence over the Justice Department, raising concerns about the department’s independence and the potential for further politicization of federal law enforcement. As the new attorney general, Blanche is expected to continue advancing Trump’s agenda, including promises to anti-abortion advocates to make the Dobbs decision permanent in every state.
The Senate’s decision marks a turning point in the relationship between the executive branch and the nation’s top law enforcement agency, with Trump’s personal attorney now in charge and critics warning of the risks of unchecked presidential power.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/08/todd-blanche-attorney-general-confirmed