US Senate confirms Trump's ex lawyer as attorney general

President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, was confirmed as the US Attorney General on Saturday (Aug 8) after Senate Republicans disregarded Democratic concerns regarding the politicization of the Justice Department. Blanche, who had been serving as an acting Attorney General, represented Trump in several criminal trials before entering government.

The Senate, which is narrowly controlled by Republicans, confirmed him with a vote of 50 to 49. Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in voting against the nomination, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the appointment. Blanche expressed his gratitude for the Senate's late-night efforts to finalize the process and expressed appreciation to the Department of Justice's dedicated public servants. Blanche thanked the Senate for staying late to complete this process.