Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as Trump’s attorney general in overnight vote

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, right, is joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Ambassador Michael C. Gonzales, left, during a news conference at the Department of Justice, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) 2026-08-08T08:32:16Z WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed…

apnews.com ·1d ago

The Republican-controlled Senate gave final approval on Saturday morning to make Todd Blanche the second confirmed attorney general since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Blanche, currently serving as the acting attorney general, received 50 votes in favor and 49 against, narrowly securing the confirmation despite opposition from two Republican senators.

The confirmation process for Blanche was fraught with controversy, stemming from concerns over a disputed settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Following intense pressure, Blanche publicly pledged in writing to abandon Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for his allies, including those involved in the Jan.

6, 2021 Capitol attack, and to curb another provision designed to protect Trump and his family from IRS tax audits. This concession helped sway Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who endorsed Blanche, stating that no other nominee may better serve the Trump administration’s agenda within the Justice Department.

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