{
  "id": 269266,
  "title": "Cassidy backs Blanche for attorney general, clearing way for confirmation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/cassidy-backs-blanche-for-attorney-general-clearing-way-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T15:08:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CBS News",
    "slug": "cbs-news",
    "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bill-cassidy-todd-blanche-attorney-general-confirmation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Republican senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has announced his support for the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general, paving the way for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Cassidy emphasized that while Blanche is not perfect, the choice is between Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not effectively manage the department under the Trump administration. With Cassidy's backing, Blanche is expected to secure his confirmation, though by a narrow margin, as two Republican senators plan to oppose his nomination. All Democrats are anticipated to vote against Blanche for attorney general. The Senate plans to vote on several GOP priorities before its five-week recess. Cassidy argued that approving Blanche would risk progress in combating violent crime, human and drug trafficking, and fraud. Blanche, who was previously the president's personal defense lawyer, has been serving as acting attorney general since the firing of Pam Bondi. However, his confirmation has been uncertain due to concerns over his role in the establishment of a $1.8 billion \"anti-weaponization\" fund and granting President Trump immunity from tax audits and investigations. Cassidy criticized Blanche's decisions, but acknowledged that some criticisms were beyond his control, such as the president's pardons for defendants involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.",
  "summary": "Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican, announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche for attorney general.",
  "key_points": [
    "Republican senator Bill Cassidy supports Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination.",
    "Cassidy believes Blanche is better than alternative acting attorney general.",
    "Two Republicans and all Democrats oppose Blanche's confirmation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/269266.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 9,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/republican-sen-lisa-murkowski-says-she-will-oppose-todd-blanches",
        "published": "2026-08-07T11:23:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hill",
        "title": "Murkowski will oppose Blanche nomination, putting it in danger of stalling",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/murkowski-will-oppose-blanche-nomination-putting-it-in-danger-of",
        "published": "2026-08-07T11:49:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "Murkowski says she'll vote against Blanche's nomination for attorney general",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/murkowski-says-shell-vote-against-blanches-nomination-for-attorney",
        "published": "2026-08-07T11:58:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "NPR",
        "title": "Murkowski will oppose Blanche nomination, narrowing his path to confirmation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/murkowski-will-oppose-blanche-nomination-narrowing-his-path-to",
        "published": "2026-08-07T14:12:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Trump pick Todd Blanche clears major hurdle in bid to become US attorney general",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/trump-pick-todd-blanche-clears-major-hurdle-in-bid-to-become-us",
        "published": "2026-08-07T20:30:46.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general after divisive hearing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/todd-blanche-confirmed-as-us-attorney-general-after-divisive-hearing",
        "published": "2026-08-08T09:14:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "US Senate confirms Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as new AG",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/us-senate-confirms-trump-loyalist-todd-blanche-as-new-ag",
        "published": "2026-08-08T14:25:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Tempo.co English",
        "title": "US Senate Confirms Trump Loyalist Todd Blanche as New AG",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/us-senate-confirms-trump-loyalist-todd-blanche-as-new-ag",
        "published": "2026-08-09T07:46:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}