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

The narrow confirmation followed brief DOJ orders rescinding a disputed $1.8 billion fund, narrowing tax‑audit language, prompting critics to say legal questions and independence concerns remain.

Darci McConnell, communications director, right, talks to a voter as Madison Steigerwald, canvas lead, left, Kenneth Brooks, canvasser, second from right, watch, while canvassing with Michigan United Action for candidates including Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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FILE - National Guard members gather near a large portrait of President Donald Trump on the Labor Department headquarters before the body of Metropolitan Police Department officer Terry Bennett is driven past the Capitol, Jan. 8, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, films a social media video at a pool party for content creators supporting his campaign, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Overview

  • The Senate voted 50–49 on Saturday to confirm Todd Blanche, elevating him from acting attorney general to a Senate‑confirmed leader of the Department of Justice.
  • Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joined every Senate Democrat in opposing the nomination while Sen. Bill Cassidy provided the decisive yes to reach 50 votes.
  • In the days before the full vote Blanche issued short DOJ orders that rescinded a proposed $1.8 billion “anti‑weaponization” fund tied to a settlement over leaked tax returns and narrowed language shielding certain Trump‑family tax audits, but critics and legal scholars say those moves may be legally fragile or require others’ consent.
  • Lawmakers and commentators raised conflict‑of‑interest concerns because Blanche served as President Trump’s personal lawyer and because of his role in handling Epstein‑related records, with Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner saying those actions cast doubt on his independence.
  • Observers expect immediate oversight and possible court challenges over the settlement and tax protections, and they warn the confirmation could shape how the DOJ handles election‑related disputes, department priorities, and morale among career prosecutors.