💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Todd Blanche, the former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, won Senate confirmation early Saturday morning to serve as attorney general, overcoming predictions that his nomination would falter. Blanche will now officially assume control of the Justice Department, replacing Pam Bondi in the role of the nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
The confirmation faced significant hurdles as Republicans grappled with Blanche’s involvement in structuring a nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund and securing audit immunity provisions for the president and his family. The legislation required delicate negotiations and last-minute maneuvering to secure enough votes for passage.
Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana proved decisive in Blanche’s confirmation, announcing Friday that he would vote to confirm after maintaining silence on his position for days. Cassidy acknowledged reservations about the anti-weaponization fund’s enforceability and the scope of audit immunity but concluded that a Senate-confirmed attorney general would better serve the department than a temporary placeholder.
Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joined all Democrats in opposing Blanche’s confirmation. Murkowski cited concerns about DOJ politicization, the anti-weaponization fund’s uncertain future, and potential misuse of taxpayer dollars for Capitol rioters, while Collins questioned whether Blanche could maintain the department’s independence given his previous actions.
More Stories
Senate Republicans Abandon Trump’s Voting Bill Push, Defer to Budget Negotiations in September
Senate Democrats Block Voter ID Provision Despite Years of Public Support
Senate Narrowly Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in Early Saturday Vote