Senate confirms Todd Blanche, Trump's former defense lawyer, as attorney general
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, a former defense lawyer for President Trump, as the new Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote. The confirmation process faced scrutiny over the Justice Department's controversial 'anti-weaponization' fund.
Why it matters
The appointment of a former personal defense lawyer to lead the Department of Justice is a significant political development with implications for federal law enforcement and executive oversight.
Washington — The Senate early on Saturday confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, installing President Trump's former defense lawyer as the nation's top law enforcement official.Blanche narrowly won approval from the upper chamber in a 50-49 vote. Two Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — joined with all Democrats in voting against his nomination to helm the Justice Department.Blanche's path for confirmation cleared earlier Friday when Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, announced he would back his nomination. With Collins' and Murkowski's opposition, and GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky absent, Cassidy's vote was decisive.
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