Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general generated immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers and watchdog groups. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of enabling President Donald Trump’s “pervasive, breathtaking corruption.” Initially serving as Trump’s personal attorney, Blanche was confirmed by the Senate with a narrow 50-49 vote. Support from key Republican holdouts, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, was crucial. Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed the nomination.
Blanche’s leadership of the Justice Department is solidified after months of controversy. Issues such as the Jeffrey Epstein files and a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund were central to the debates. Blanche had been the acting attorney general since April, following Pam Bondi’s removal. Trump’s dissatisfaction with the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related records led to Bondi’s dismissal. Blanche’s tenure quickly became contentious, with critics questioning his ability to operate independently from the White House.
“If you want to wipe out corruption, you can’t have the president’s personal attorney as the Attorney General,” Schumer stated. “Todd Blanche has no intention of stopping Trump’s corruption. He advanced his career enabling it.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described Blanche’s confirmation as “a huge win for President Trump and our country,” stating that Americans would benefit from his commitment to law and order.
Concerns Over DOJ Independence
Schumer was joined by other Democrats in condemning Blanche’s confirmation. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware argued Blanche prioritized loyalty to Trump over his public obligations. Coons stated, “Blanche has already shown us exactly where his loyalties lie—and it’s not with the law or the American people.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the overnight vote, saying Republicans confirmed Trump’s personal lawyer while much of the country was asleep. Pelosi asserted, “The American people deserve a Justice Department that defends the rule of law, not one weaponized to protect the President, reward his allies, and shield his corruption.”
Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico tied his opposition to the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related matters. “The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes deserve transparency and accountability,” Luján wrote. He believed Blanche’s leadership would prioritize Trump’s personal interests over justice for victims.
Watchdog Group Criticism
Beyond Congress, opposition came from watchdogs like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). Donald K. Sherman, president and CEO, criticized Senate Republicans for failing to act as a constitutional check on executive power. Sherman added that it was “disgusting and disheartening” for Republicans to align with Trump’s wishes repeatedly. CREW joined other democracy-focused organizations in opposing Blanche’s nomination.
The Deciding Vote
The confirmation was uncertain until the end of the proceedings. Collins and Murkowski, along with all Democrats and independents, opposed Blanche. Concerns included Blanche’s past actions as acting attorney general and questions about the Justice Department’s independence.
Cassidy ultimately decided in favor of Blanche, after considering his role in an IRS settlement and the proposed anti-weaponization fund. After discussions with Blanche and consultation with former Attorney General William Barr, Cassidy expressed support. He believed Blanche’s experience as Trump’s lawyer could allow him to push back against the president when necessary.
“All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche,” Cassidy stated, paving the way for Blanche’s confirmation with 50 votes.
Blanche Defends His Position
Blanche rejected accusations of serving as a political operative for Trump. After the vote, he expressed gratitude for Trump’s trust in him as the nation’s 88th Attorney General. Supporters, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, argued Blanche’s dual experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney made him uniquely qualified.
Cassidy concluded Blanche could lead the Justice Department effectively under Trump. “This is not a referendum on President Trump,” Cassidy stated. “It is a decision regarding Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances.” However, critics remain concerned that Blanche’s relationship with Trump challenges the Justice Department’s independence.
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