Trump pick Todd Blanche clears major hurdle in bid to become US attorney general

The US Senate has approved Todd Blanche, 52, as the new Attorney General, securing President Donald Trump's choice to head the nation's top federal law enforcement agency. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy pledged his support for Blanche, breaking a deadlock after Democratic Senator Lisa Murkowski threatened to oppose the nomination.

Despite opposition from Murkowski and Republican Senator Susan Collins, the Senate voted 50-49 in favor of Blanche. Blanche, who has served as acting Attorney General since Trump fired Pam Bondi in April, will now lead the Justice Department, which has undergone significant changes under Trump's second term. Cassidy's endorsement for Blanche marked the end of a contentious confirmation process, with concerns over Blanche's independence becoming a significant hurdle.

Since taking over, Blanche has opened investigations into Trump's detractors, sparked an exodus of career prosecutors, and declared the Justice Department operates at the president's direction. Critics have raised concerns over Blanche's handling of the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, the granting of immunity to Trump, his family, and businesses, statements to anti-abortion groups, and the targeting of various political figures.