Todd Blanche, Trump's ex-lawyer, confirmed as US attorney general
Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Donald Trump, has been confirmed as the US Attorney General following a narrow 50-49 Senate vote. The confirmation concludes a period of political tension regarding his past roles and proposed policies within the Justice Department.
Why it matters
The appointment of a former personal attorney to the nation's top law enforcement position raises significant questions about the independence of the Justice Department under the new administration.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Todd Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April
President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche has been confirmed as US attorney general - the nation's top law enforcement official.
Blanche won confirmation in a 50-49 vote, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposing him.
Senator Bill Cassidy was the deciding vote after announcing he believed Blanche was the best option the president would put forward. Washington had been anxiously waiting for Cassidy's decision, due to years of acrimony between Trump and the senator.
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.
All Democrats voted against his nomination to lead the Justice Department.
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