Todd Blanche Confirmed as Attorney General by Narrow Senate Vote

Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General concluded with a narrow 50-49 vote in the Senate. This decision followed an uphill battle, with Blanche previously serving as acting attorney general after Pam Bondi’s removal in April. President Donald Trump sought her removal due to dissatisfaction with her handling of Jeffrey Epstein files.

Blanche’s confirmation remained uncertain in the weeks leading up to the vote. Senators from both parties raised concerns about his prior role as Trump’s personal lawyer and his involvement in a contentious IRS settlement. The decisive vote happened early Saturday morning, mainly adhering to party lines. Only two Republican senators voted against Blanche alongside Democrats.

Which Senators Opposed Blanche’s Confirmation?

All Democratic and independent senators, along with two Republicans, opposed Blanche’s confirmation. The list of those opposing includes:

• Angela Alsobrooks (Maryland)
• Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin)
• Michael Bennet (Colorado)
• Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut)
• Lisa Blunt Rochester (Delaware)
• Cory Booker (New Jersey)
• Maria Cantwell (Washington)
• Chris Coons (Delaware)
• Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada)
• Tammy Duckworth (Illinois)
• Dick Durbin (Illinois)
• Ruben Gallego (Arizona)
• Kirsten Gillibrand (New York)
• Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire)
• Martin Heinrich (New Mexico)
• John Hickenlooper (Colorado)
• Mazie Hirono (Hawaii)
• Tim Kaine (Virginia)
• Mark Kelly (Arizona)
• Andy Kim (New Jersey)
• Angus King (Maine)
• Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota)
• Ben Ray Luján (New Mexico)
• Ed Markey (Massachusetts)
• Jeff Merkley (Oregon)
• Chris Murphy (Connecticut)
• Patty Murray (Washington)
• Jon Ossoff (Georgia)
• Alex Padilla (California)
• Gary Peters (Michigan)
• Jack Reed (Rhode Island)
• Jacky Rosen (Nevada)
• Bernie Sanders (Vermont)
• Brian Schatz (Hawaii)
• Adam Schiff (California)
• Chuck Schumer (New York)
• Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)
• Elissa Slotkin (Michigan)
• Tina Smith (Minnesota)
• Chris Van Hollen (Maryland)
• Mark Warner (Virginia)
• Raphael Warnock (Georgia)
• Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts)
• Peter Welch (Vermont)
• Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island)
• Ron Wyden (Oregon)
• Susan Collins (Maine)
• Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)

Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, the two Republican dissenters, voiced concerns about Blanche’s actions during his tenure as acting attorney general. They cited his involvement in several controversies prompting their votes against him.

Republicans’ Shift in Support for Blanche

Initially, some Republicans opposed Blanche, including Senators Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis. They later supported him after assurances he would retract the controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. This fund related to a now-abandoned settlement concerning Trump’s IRS tax records disclosure. Cassidy’s backing ultimately secured Blanche’s confirmation. He stated that reassurance from former Attorney General William Barr convinced him Blanche wouldn’t merely follow Trump’s directives.

Collins and Murkowski’s Reasons for Opposition

Senators Collins and Murkowski remained unswayed. Collins highlighted that Blanche’s confirmation indicated increasing politicization of the Justice Department, despite recognizing his legal ability. She expressed concerns over several decisions he made that compromised the Department’s independence.

Murkowski echoed these sentiments, disturbed by the perceived politicization and weaponization of the Department. Her opposition also stemmed from views on Epstein files handling, immunity protections for Trump’s family, and comments made to anti-abortion groups.

In response to these developments, Trump criticized Murkowski on social media for her opposing vote.

Blanche’s Reaction

Following the vote, Blanche expressed appreciation on social media, acknowledging President Trump’s confidence in him to lead the Justice Department. He thanked the Senate for extending their session to complete the confirmation process.

Newsweek attempted to contact the offices of Senators Collins and Murkowski, as well as the White House and the Attorney General’s office, for comments regarding this situation.