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Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General by 50–49 Vote

Written assurances that ended a proposed $1.8 billion fund and narrowed a tax‑immunity plan that won him votes now raise questions about the Justice Department's independence.

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Overview

  • The U.S. Senate voted 50–49 on Saturday to confirm Todd Blanche, moving him from acting to permanent Attorney General and placing him in full control of the Department of Justice.
  • Blanche is a longtime personal lawyer to President Donald Trump and has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April.
  • To secure key Republican support he delivered written promises to end payments from a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund and to limit a tax‑immunity agreement that critics said would shield Trump allies from IRS scrutiny.
  • His July 2025 prison visit and interview with Ghislaine Maxwell and the department's recent emphasis on cases against Trump critics have provoked bipartisan concern and prompted departures of experienced prosecutors.
  • The narrow margin and doubts about whether Blanche's written assurances are legally binding leave the Justice Department politically vulnerable and increase the likelihood of close Congressional, judicial, and watchdog scrutiny of future prosecutions and fund or tax policy moves.