Overview
- The Senate approved Blanche by a 50–49 roll call after Sen. Bill Cassidy switched his position, while Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all Democrats in opposing the nomination.
- Blanche moves from acting to Senate‑confirmed attorney general, granting him the formal authority to lead the Department of Justice and set enforcement priorities.
- Opponents pointed to Blanche’s role in an IRS‑linked settlement that produced an alleged $1.8 billion fund and broad audit protections for the president’s family, and they criticized the department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein‑related records.
- The Justice Department issued brief rescission orders that it says narrow the fund and tax‑immunity language, but judges, oversight groups, and legal scholars warn those one‑page rescissions may be legally vulnerable and have ordered additional disclosures.
- The confirmation could reshape prosecutions and personnel at the DOJ, and it increases the likelihood of continued court challenges, oversight reviews, and further document releases that will affect survivors, staff and the department’s independence.