Senate confirms Blanche as AG in 52-47 vote

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 52-47 party-line vote early Saturday, with every Democrat opposed and all but two Republicans supporting him. The confirmation came just days after a federal appeals court rejected Blanche’s bid to delay his Senate confirmation hearing, which had been scheduled following his nomination by President Donald Trump.

Democrats accuse Blanche of enabling what they call “Trump’s corruption,” pointing to his role as deputy and acting attorney general under Trump appointee Jeffrey Clark. During that time, Blanche helped oversee the Justice Department’s response to multiple investigations into the former president, including the classified documents case and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Critics argue Blanche’s loyalty to Trump overshadows his legal judgment, especially after he reportedly pushed for the DOJ to investigate unfounded election fraud claims.

Blanche’s confirmation comes at a pivotal moment for the Justice Department, which is already under scrutiny for its handling of high-profile Trump-related cases. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the vote a “dangerous step backward” and warned that Blanche’s appointment could further politicize the DOJ. Republicans, however, framed the confirmation as a necessary move to restore law and order, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell arguing that Blanche’s experience makes him the right person to lead the department.

What happens next remains unclear. Blanche is expected to take office immediately, but his tenure could face legal and political challenges. Democrats are already calling for oversight hearings, while Republicans are likely to use his confirmation to push back against investigations into Trump. The confirmation also raises questions about the DOJ’s independence, especially as it continues to probe Trump’s actions before and after the 2020 election. For now, Blanche’s confirmation ensures Trump will have a loyalist at the helm of federal law enforcement—at least until the next election cycle.