lawyer, narrowly confirmed as attorney general
Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for President Trump, has been confirmed as the U.S. Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 Senate vote. The confirmation follows a contentious period regarding his role in the administration and proposed legal funds.
Why it matters
The appointment of a close Trump associate to the nation's top law enforcement position marks a significant shift in the Department of Justice's leadership.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google George Wright & Bernd Debusmann Jr, White House reporter Getty Images Todd Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche has been narrowly confirmed as attorney general - the nation's top law enforcement official.
The vote brings to an end a lengthy standoff between Senate Republicans and the Trump administration over Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since April.
Blanche won confirmation in a 50-49 vote overnight, with two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joining all Democrats to oppose his nomination.
Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote, a decision closely watched in Washington given the years of acrimony between the Louisiana Republican and Trump.
After the vote, Blanche said he was "deeply honoured by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in