Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general after divisive hearing

US Senate Republicans narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche to serve as President Donald Trump's Attorney General following a contentious confirmation battle. The decision comes after Blanche had already been serving in an acting capacity as head of the Justice Department. The vote, which passed 50-49, followed a period of intense scrutiny over Blanche's independence and the potential for the Trump administration to use the Justice Department to investigate political opponents.

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor with ties to the Trump legal team, faced opposition from some Republicans who were concerned about the controversial settlement reached with the Internal Revenue Service, which included provisions to shield Trump and his family from tax audits. Despite the opposition, Blanche secured the necessary votes to be confirmed, with key Republican Senator Bill Cassidy switching his support on Friday morning.

He emphasized that Blanche's experience and loyalty to Trump made him the best candidate to lead the Justice Department under the current administration. Democrats, on the other hand, criticized the confirmation, with Senator Dick Durbin warning that it would be a "serious mistake" and urging colleagues not to "be on the wrong side of history."

Blanche's appointment marked the second time a Trump nominee has been confirmed as Attorney General since the president took office last year.