Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general by narrowest of margins in the middle of the night

The Senate voted 50-49 to confirm Todd Blanche as the attorney general of the United States on Saturday morning. Blanche, who has been leading the department in an acting capacity, will take on the role with the goal of advancing President Donald Trump's agenda.

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor in New York, has a history of defending Trump in legal matters, including his hush money trial and two federal cases brought by the Biden administration. He served as deputy attorney general under Pam Bondi last year, overseeing the department's operations and handling high-profile matters.

However, Blanche's confirmation was met with opposition from some Republicans and all Democrats due to concerns about his loyalty to Trump. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against him. The Senate Judiciary Committee had already advanced Blanche's nomination earlier in the week after Republicans agreed to rescind a controversial settlement that would have provided immunity to Trump and his family from IRS tax audits.

Blanche's supporters argue that his experience as a federal prosecutor and his trust from Trump make him better equipped to handle the legal constraints of the administration's demands. His confirmation comes as Democrats have accused him of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over his duties, leading to investigations against Trump's political foes.