3 weeks ago
Senate Narrowly Confirms Trump's Lawyer Todd Blanche As Attorney General
The president of the United States gets to pick a top lawyer for the whole country, called the attorney general.
Donald Trump picked his own personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, for this very important job.
Before this new lawyer can officially start, a group of lawmakers called the Senate has to say yes.
The Senate had a very close vote — 50 people said yes and 49 people said no.
Some lawmakers were worried because Blanche used to work very closely with the president.
They were especially upset about a plan to give $1.8 billion to people the president says were treated unfairly, and another plan to keep the president's family safe from tax checks.
Blanche promised in writing to stop those plans.
Still, two Republican lawmakers voted against him, but another Republican named Bill Cassidy helped him win.
Blanche used to defend the president in court, and now he will lead the whole Department of Justice.
Some people think this is good because Blanche knows the law well, but others worry the justice system might no longer be fair and independent.
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as US attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote early Saturday, August 8.
Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined all Democrats in opposing him; Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the decisive vote.
Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and Trump's personal defense attorney who represented him in the New York hush-money trial and two federal criminal cases, had been acting attorney general since April after Trump fired Pam Bondi.
Under pressure from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, Blanche gave written assurances to abandon the proposed $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and narrow IRS tax audit immunity for Trump, his family and the Trump Organization — terms that came from Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
Critics warn Blanche's loyalty to Trump threatens the Justice Department's independence, pointing to cases like the department's indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, while supporters cite his record fighting violent crime, illegal immigration, cartels and drug trafficking.
- Who
- Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney and criminal defense lawyer, confirmed as the nation's top law enforcement officer.
- What
- The US Senate confirmed Blanche as attorney general by a narrow 50-49 vote after a contentious confirmation fight.
- Where
- United States Senate in Washington, DC; Blanche now leads the US Department of Justice.
- When
- Early Saturday, August 8.
- Why
- To permanently lead the Justice Department and advance the Trump administration's agenda, including a revised settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
Critics and Skeptics
Supporters
Justice Department independence
Critics and Skeptics
Democrats and Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski say the department under Blanche has stopped acting as a check on the president, and the country needs an attorney general 'who will check the worst impulses of this administration.' Murkowski also cited concerns including the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and assurances to anti-abortion groups.
Supporters
Supporters such as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley say Blanche has led the department with distinction and 'Mr. Blanche is the right choice,' and that his courtroom-earned trust with Trump makes him better equipped to explain legal constraints to the White House.
IRS settlement and $1.8 billion fund
Critics and Skeptics
Collins and Murkowski called Blanche's role in designing the IRS settlement and the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' disqualifying, warning that his written commitments 'could be undone' once he no longer needed Senate votes.
Supporters
John Cornyn and Thom Tillis were satisfied by Blanche's written assurance to drop the fund and narrow the audit immunity, and Bill Cassidy — the decisive vote — called the fund 'poor judgment' that Blanche now sees as a mistake.
Pursuing the president's agenda
Critics and Skeptics
Democrats accuse Blanche of prioritizing loyalty to Trump through investigations of perceived foes such as former FBI Director James Comey and a radical reshaping of the department, and question whether he can deliver on Trump's desire for retribution.
Supporters
Backers point to his federal prosecutorial experience and his work against violent crime, illegal immigration, cartels and drug trafficking, calling him a 'tough, fair prosecutor dedicated to the rule of law.'
Key facts
- Confirmation vote
- 50-49
- Nominated by
- President Donald Trump
- Opposing Republicans
- Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
- Decisive vote
- Senator Bill Cassidy (Louisiana)
- Acting AG since
- April, after Trump fired Pam Bondi
- Anti-Weaponization Fund
- $1.8 billion fund from Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit settlement; dropped after a written assurance from Blanche
- Key concession
- IRS tax audit immunity for Trump and family narrowed to past tax years
- Top Democratic critic
- Senator Dick Durbin called the confirmation a 'serious mistake'
Quotes
Senator Chuck Grassley
U.S. Senator from Iowa and Republican Judiciary Committee chair
“I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti‑abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators”
telegraphindia.com
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration, I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”
livemint.com
republicworld.com
Sources
Todd Blanche, who defended Donald Trump in criminal cases, confirmed as US attorney general
In A Boost To Trump, Todd Blanche Narrowly Confirmed As US Attorney General
Senate Republicans narrowly confirm Todd Blanche as US attorney general - Telegraph India
Trump's Lawyer Todd Blanche Confirmed as US Attorney General By Narrow Senate Vote
US Senate confirms Todd Blanche as Trump’s attorney general in 50-49 vote
Todd Blanche Narrowly Wins as Trump’s Attorney General in Overnight Vote
Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general in 50-49 Senate vote: A look at his powers
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