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Todd Blanche took the oath of office Monday as the nation’s top law enforcement official, completing a contentious confirmation process that drew objections from both parties over the direction of the Justice Department under President Donald Trump. Emil Bove, a former Trump attorney now serving as a federal appeals court judge, administered the oath at a White House ceremony following the Senate’s Saturday confirmation vote.
The New York-based former federal prosecutor secured confirmation by the narrowest possible margin, with a 50-49 Senate vote that included opposition from two Republicans concerned about increased politicization within the agency. Blanche assumes formal leadership of the department after serving in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi’s termination in April.
As deputy attorney general and acting attorney general, Blanche oversaw investigations into Trump critics, including former FBI Director James Comey, who faced indictment in April on charges brought by the Justice Department. Blanche has consistently rejected accusations that the administration weaponized federal law enforcement, insisting the president possesses both the right and responsibility to engage with the agency’s operations.
Blanche joined Trump’s legal team in 2023 after leaving his law firm to defend the president against multiple criminal prosecutions initiated by the previous administration. His supporters contend that his established relationship with Trump positions him better than his predecessor to manage the president’s expectations regarding the department’s independence.
His confirmation faced potential derailment over a controversial Trump settlement involving the Internal Revenue Service, which would have created an $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump associates. The nomination advanced only after Blanche committed in writing, under Republican pressure, that administration officials would abandon those plans.
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