US Senate confirms Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as new AG

Republicans dropped their opposition and confirmed President Donald Trump's former defense lawyer to a Cabinet position. Now, Todd Blanche will act as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

dw.com ·1d ago

The United States Senate has narrowly approved President Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, appointing Todd Blanche as the nation's top law enforcement officer in an early morning vote. The Republican-controlled body delivered a 50-49 vote to confirm Blanche, a controversial Trump loyalist. Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy supplied the crucial deciding vote, joining Democrats Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins in opposing the appointment.

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and Trump's personal defense lawyer, wrote on X that he was honored to lead the Department of Justice as the 88th Attorney General. However, there is concern that Trump views Blanche as his personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department as a law firm serving one client - the president. Critics argue that Blanche's confirmation would be a serious mistake, as he continues to operate as Trump's personal lawyer, prioritizing the president's agenda over the need for an impartial and independent Attorney General.

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