Todd Blanche is sworn in as attorney general after bruising confirmation fight

Former Trump personal lawyer Todd Blanche was sworn in as attorney general on Monday, following a contentious confirmation process that highlighted concerns about the direction of the Justice Department under President Trump. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor in New York, took the oath of office administered by another former Trump attorney, Emil Bove, now a federal appeals court judge.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the White House, with Blanche then proceeding to Justice Department headquarters to cheers from employees. Blanche, confirmed in a 50-49 vote, now faces the task of managing a department he has led in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi's dismissal in April, under pressure from a president who has openly sought to utilize the law enforcement agency to target political opponents.