US Senate confirms Trump's ex lawyer as attorney general

President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, has been confirmed as US attorney general by the Senate on Saturday, August 8. The Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, narrowly confirmed him with a vote of 50 to 49. Blanche, who has been serving as the acting attorney general, was nominated by Trump and has represented him in several criminal trials.

Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in voting no, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the nomination. Blanche expressed his gratitude to the Senate and the Department of Justice, stating that he was deeply honored to lead the department. Democrats had raised concerns over the politicization of the Justice Department, accusing Trump of turning it into a political weapon.

The Senate ultimately confirmed Blanche by defusing internal party opposition by scrapping a proposed fund for victims of politicized prosecutions and granting immunity to Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization only for past tax years.

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