Trump Threatens to Withdraw AG Nominee Blanche Over GOP Senate Holdouts
President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.
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Todd Blanche Sworn In as U.S. Attorney General After Narrow Senate Vote
Todd Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, was sworn in as the 88th U.S. Attorney General on August 11, 2026, following a contentious 50-49 Senate confirmation vote. He succeeds Pam Bondi, whom Trump ousted in April. Blanche, who previously served as acting attorney general, took the oath in the Oval Office administered by U.S. Circuit Judge Emil Bove, another former Trump lawyer. His nomination drew bipartisan concern over his role in establishing a $1.8 billion Justice Department 'anti-weaponization fund' to compensate those prosecuted for the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, which critics called a 'slush fund.' Blanche has stated the fund will not proceed under his tenure. Every Senate Democrat voted against him, along with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Supporters like Sen. Chuck Grassley praised Blanche as a 'tough, fair prosecutor,' while Democrats like Rep. Jamie Raskin condemned the appointment as making Trump's personal attorney into his personal Attorney General.
Todd Blanche Sworn In as U.S. Attorney General After Narrow Senate Vote
Todd Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, was sworn in as U.S. attorney general on August 11, 2026, following a contentious 50-49 Senate confirmation vote. He succeeds Pam Bondi, whom Trump ousted in April. Blanche, who had been serving as acting attorney general, took the oath in the Oval Office administered by U.S. Circuit Judge Emil Bove, another former Trump lawyer. His nomination drew sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans over his role in establishing a $1.8 billion Justice Department 'anti-weaponization fund' to compensate those prosecuted for the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, which critics called a 'slush fund.' Blanche has stated the fund will not proceed under his tenure. Senate Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voted against him, while holdouts like Bill Cassidy supported him after he acknowledged past mistakes. Democrats, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, denounced the appointment as politicizing the Justice Department.
Read sourceTodd Blanche Sworn In as U.S. Attorney General After Narrow Senate Confirmation
Todd Blanche was sworn in as the 88th U.S. Attorney General in a brief Oval Office ceremony on Monday, following a contentious Senate confirmation vote of 50-49 over the weekend. Blanche, who previously served as acting attorney general and was President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, succeeds Pam Bondi, whom Trump ousted in April. The nomination drew widespread concern from Democrats and some Republicans, particularly over Blanche's role in establishing a $1.8 billion Justice Department 'anti-weaponization fund' intended to compensate those prosecuted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Both parties criticized the fund as a 'slush fund,' and Blanche has stated it will not proceed under his tenure. Every Senate Democrat voted against confirmation, along with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley praised Blanche as a 'tough, fair prosecutor,' while Democrats like Rep. Jamie Raskin condemned the appointment as making Trump's personal attorney into 'Trump's personal Attorney General.'
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Todd Blanche Narrowly Confirmed as US Attorney General
The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote largely along party lines, with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joining Democrats in opposition. Blanche, a former personal lawyer and close ally of President Donald Trump, had served in an acting capacity since April after Trump fired Pam Bondi. His confirmation was unusually rocky due to concerns over his loyalty to Trump, particularly his support for shielding Trump's family from IRS audits. Senator Bill Cassidy was swayed to vote yes by a deal that effectively killed Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund.' Analysis suggests Blanche champions unbridled presidential power and believes he must execute every lawful White House order, even if it contradicts longstanding norms. It remains unclear whether Blanche will deliver on Trump's desire for retribution. Separately, Trump announced Will Scharf will become White House counsel next month.
Read sourceTodd Blanche Narrowly Confirmed as Attorney General
The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, largely along party lines, with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joining Democrats in opposition. Blanche, a former personal lawyer and close ally of President Donald Trump, had served in an acting capacity since April after Trump fired Pam Bondi. His confirmation was marked by controversy over his loyalty to Trump, particularly regarding shielding Trump's family from IRS audits. Senator Bill Cassidy was swayed to vote yes after a deal effectively killed Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund.' Analysts note Blanche champions unbridled presidential power and is seen as likely to execute Trump's orders even if they break norms. It remains unclear if Blanche will deliver on Trump's desire for retribution more effectively than Bondi.
Read sourceTodd Blanche narrowly confirmed as US attorney general
The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote largely along party lines, with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joining Democrats in opposition. Blanche, a former personal lawyer and close ally of President Donald Trump, had served in an acting capacity since April after Trump dismissed Pam Bondi. His confirmation was unusually rocky, with his loyalty to Trump being a central issue. Senator Bill Cassidy noted that Blanche's support for shielding Trump's family from IRS audits nearly swayed his vote, but he was convinced by a deal that effectively killed Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund.' Analysts suggest Blanche champions unbridled presidential power and believes he must execute every lawful White House order, even if it contradicts norms or his own beliefs. Trump announced that staff secretary Will Scharf will become White House counsel next month.
Read sourceUS Senate narrowly confirms Todd Blanche as US attorney-general
The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as US attorney-general on August 8, 2026, following a tense confirmation fight that exposed bipartisan concerns about installing an ally of President Donald Trump. The vote was close, reflecting deep divisions over Blanche's close ties to Trump and potential implications for the Justice Department's independence. The confirmation marks a significant political event, with critics warning of politicization of the attorney-general role.
Read sourceSenate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General by Narrowest Margin
The Republican-led Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General in a 50-49 vote early Saturday morning, making him the second confirmed attorney general since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney and criminal defense lawyer, had been leading the department in an acting capacity. His confirmation was opposed by two Republicans—Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski—and all Democrats. The confirmation fight was unusually rocky due to Republican concerns over a controversial settlement involving a $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump allies and tax audit immunity for Trump and his family. Under pressure, Blanche formally rescinded the fund in writing, which secured the decisive vote of Senator Bill Cassidy. Critics, including Senator Dick Durbin, argued that confirming a close Trump ally threatens the Justice Department's historical independence. Blanche has stated he will pursue the Trump administration's agenda, including investigating political enemies.
Read sourceSenate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General
The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as President Donald Trump's Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 overnight vote. The decisive vote came from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who switched from a holdout to a 'yes' at the last minute, stating that while Blanche is not perfect, the alternative of an acting attorney general might be worse. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against Blanche, citing distrust that he would check the administration's worst impulses, including Justice Department decisions on the Epstein files, targeting political enemies, and granting immunity to Trump and his family. Senator Susan Collins of Maine and all Democrats also opposed the nomination. Senator Mitch McConnell was absent. Blanche, who replaced Pam Bondi after Trump fired her in April, had previously agreed to kill a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to secure votes from key GOP senators. Blanche expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to lead the Department of Justice.
Read sourceUS Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General
The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, as the permanent Attorney General by a narrow 50-49 vote. Blanche had been serving as acting Attorney General since April after Trump dismissed Pam Bondi. The confirmation was controversial, with two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voting against him. Democrats warned that appointing a close Trump ally threatens the Justice Department's historical independence. Criticism centered on Blanche's role in a $1.8 billion fund described as a 'slush fund' for Trump allies and a tax immunity agreement protecting Trump and his family. To secure confirmation, Blanche made written commitments to restrict the tax agreement and end fund payments. Supporters cited his prosecutorial experience and ability to show the White House legal limits. Blanche's tenure has already seen the department pursue Trump's alleged opponents and break with tradition of political independence.
US Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General
The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as permanent Attorney General by a narrow 50-49 vote on August 8, 2026. Blanche, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, had served as acting Attorney General since April after Trump dismissed Pam Bondi amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against the controversial appointment. Democrats warned that Blanche's loyalty to Trump threatens the Justice Department's independence, citing his role in investigating Trump's political enemies like former FBI Director James Comey. To secure confirmation, Blanche made written commitments to restrict a $1.8 billion Trump-linked fund and end related tax immunity agreements. Supporters praised his experience and efforts against violent crime and illegal immigration. The confirmation marks a significant shift in the Justice Department, which has seen numerous experienced prosecutors leave under Blanche's interim leadership.
Read sourceTodd Blanche narrowly confirmed as Trump's attorney general in overnight Senate vote
The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote early on August 8, 2026, making him the second confirmed attorney general since Donald Trump returned to the White House. Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney, had already been leading the department in an acting capacity. His confirmation was unusually rocky due to Republican concerns over a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump allies, including January 6 Capitol attackers, and immunity from IRS tax audits for Trump and his family. Under pressure, Blanche formally rescinded the fund in writing. Two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, opposed the nomination. Senator Bill Cassidy was the decisive vote, arguing Blanche's role as Trump's former defense lawyer could make him more effective at pushing back on presidential demands. Democrats, led by Senator Dick Durbin, strongly opposed the confirmation, warning it would undermine Justice Department independence.
Read sourceUS Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General by Narrow 50-49 Vote
The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General on August 8, 2026, by a razor-thin margin of 50 to 49 votes, ending weeks of contentious debate. Blanche, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump and acting Attorney General since April, faced significant opposition over concerns about his independence. Critics highlighted his involvement in a $1.8 billion fund described as a 'slush fund' for Trump allies and a tax immunity agreement protecting Trump, his sons, and their family business from IRS audits. To secure confirmation, Blanche made written commitments to restrict the tax agreement and halt payments from the fund. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against him, while Senator Bill Cassidy provided the decisive vote. Blanche now permanently leads a Justice Department that has shifted under Trump's second term, focusing on prosecuting Trump's alleged opponents and departing from traditional political independence.
Todd Blanche Confirmed by Senate as Attorney General
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 vote on August 8, 2026, largely along party lines. Two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, broke ranks to oppose him, citing concerns over the politicization of the Department of Justice, the Epstein files, and a controversial 'anti-weaponization' fund. The confirmation was a nail-biter, as Senate Republicans could only afford two defections with all Democrats opposed and Senator Mitch McConnell absent due to hospitalization. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana provided the decisive vote, acknowledging Blanche's 'poor judgment' on certain issues but arguing a Senate-confirmed AG was preferable to an acting one. Blanche had been serving as acting AG since Pam Bondi's ouster in April 2026 and previously served as Deputy Attorney General. The vote occurred just before the Senate's summer recess.
Read sourceTodd Blanche Confirmed by Senate as Attorney General
The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote on August 8, 2026, largely along party lines. Two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, broke ranks, citing concerns over the Department of Justice's politicization, the handling of Epstein files, and an 'anti-weaponization' fund. Blanche, who had been serving as acting Attorney General since Pam Bondi's ouster in April, previously served as Deputy Attorney General and as one of President Donald Trump's personal criminal defense attorneys. The confirmation was a nail-biter, with Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana providing the decisive vote after expressing reservations but concluding a Senate-confirmed AG was preferable to an acting one. The vote occurred just before the Senate's summer recess.
Read sourceTodd Blanche Confirmed by Senate as Attorney General
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 vote on August 8, 2026, largely along party lines. Two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, broke ranks, citing concerns over the Department of Justice's politicization, the Epstein files, and an 'anti-weaponization' fund. The confirmation was a nail-biter, with Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana providing the decisive vote after initially expressing reservations about Blanche's judgment regarding the anti-weaponization slush fund and tax audit immunity for the president. Blanche had been serving as acting Attorney General since Pam Bondi's ouster in April. The vote occurred just before the Senate's summer recess, following a high-drama process that included a key hurdle cleared in the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier that week.
Cassidy backs Blanche for attorney general, appearing to clear way for confirmation
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced his support for Todd Blanche's nomination as U.S. Attorney General, a key endorsement that appears to secure Blanche's confirmation. Cassidy's backing came after Blanche agreed to rescind a legal defense fund established for allies of former President Donald Trump, a move that had drawn opposition from some GOP senators. The decision by Cassidy, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, effectively clears the final hurdle for Blanche's nomination, which had been in jeopardy. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and Trump defense attorney, now has sufficient votes for confirmation. The development marks a significant step in the Biden administration's efforts to fill the top Justice Department post.
Read sourceSenator Cassidy Backs Todd Blanche for Attorney General, Clearing Path for Confirmation
Senator Bill Cassidy announced he would vote to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General, removing a major obstacle to President Trump's nominee leading the Justice Department. The decision came after another Republican senator's opposition had cast doubt on Blanche's confirmation. Cassidy's support ensures the nomination will likely proceed to a full Senate vote, marking a key step in filling the top law enforcement position. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and Trump ally, has faced scrutiny over his past legal work and political ties. The confirmation process has been closely watched as a test of Republican unity and the administration's influence over the Justice Department.
Read sourceCassidy's Key Vote Secures Todd Blanche's Confirmation as Attorney General
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced on Friday that he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General, effectively securing Blanche's confirmation. Cassidy, the final undecided Republican vote, stated that while Blanche is not perfect, the alternative of an acting attorney general under President Trump could be worse. This decision came after Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) declared her opposition, citing distrust in Blanche to check the administration's impulses. Blanche, who replaced Pam Bondi after Trump fired her in April, had previously agreed to kill a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to secure votes from other GOP holdouts. All Democrats and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) are against the nomination, and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) remains absent. Cassidy, who lost his primary in May after Trump endorsed his opponent, has become more critical of Trump recently.
Read sourceOutgoing Republican Senator Cassidy Votes to Confirm Trump's Attorney General Pick Todd Blanche
Outgoing Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has decided to vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General, despite recent clashes with the Trump administration. Cassidy had expressed concerns over President Trump's $1.776 billion slush fund and was in discussions with fellow Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski until Friday morning. Murkowski and Senator Susan Collins voted no, but Cassidy ultimately supported Blanche, arguing that rejecting him could lead to a less effective acting attorney general. Critics note that Blanche faced controversy over his handling of the Epstein files release, including poor redactions and dismissal of victims. Epstein's victims sought to speak with Cassidy before his vote but received no response. Cassidy also recently helped vote down an amendment to kill Trump's IRS immunity deal. The article characterizes Cassidy's vote as spineless and indicative of continued deference to Trump and MAGA, even as Cassidy exits the Senate after losing his primary to a Trump-endorsed opponent.
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