Blanche sworn in as attorney general, formally taking reins at DOJ

Todd Blanche, the former defense lawyer for President Trump, was sworn in as the new attorney general of the United States at the White House on Monday. The Senate narrowly confirmed Blanche, who had served as the acting attorney general since Pam Bondi's departure in April, earlier that day. Judge Emil Bove, who had previously worked with Blanche on Trump's legal defense team, administered the oath of office as President Trump watched.

Blanche had been nominated for the position in June and had faced opposition from some Democrats and Republicans. However, key Republican senators, including Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, ultimately decided to support Blanche after he rescinded his directive that established an anti-weaponization fund.

With his confirmation, Blanche will officially take over as the nation's top law enforcement official, succeeding Pam Bondi.