Todd Blanche has been confirmed as the new U.S. attorney general after a closely divided vote in the Senate. CNN reported that the confirmation followed weeks of debate over his qualifications, previous legal work, and how he would lead the Justice Department.
The Senate approved Blanche by a 50-to-49 vote, according to CNN, with two Republican senators joining Democrats in opposing his nomination. Their votes made the outcome especially close, while support from the rest of the Republican conference secured his confirmation.
Blanche previously served as acting attorney general after working as President Donald Trump’s personal attorney. During the confirmation process, several lawmakers questioned whether he could remain independent while overseeing the nation’s top law enforcement agency. Some senators also raised concerns about decisions made during his time in the acting role.
In response, Blanche said he would carry out the responsibilities of the office fairly and follow the law. His confirmation now places him in charge of the Justice Department at a time when it continues to face intense political scrutiny and a wide range of legal challenges with national significance.
