**Trump’s Former Personal Lawyer Narrowly Confirmed as US Attorney General**
*Published on August 8, 2026*
Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, has been confirmed as the United States Attorney General, a position he has held in an acting capacity since April 2026. His confirmation came after a contentious vote in the Senate, which is currently under narrow Republican control. The final tally was 50 votes in favor and 49 against.
Blanche's appointment has raised significant concerns among both Democrats and some Republicans regarding the potential politicization of the Justice Department. Critics argue that his close ties to Trump could undermine the department's historical commitment to independence from the executive branch. During his tenure as Trump's personal attorney, Blanche represented the former president in several high-profile criminal trials, leading to apprehensions about his ability to remain impartial in his new role.
The confirmation process for Blanche was marked by intense scrutiny, particularly regarding his previous actions related to controversial issues such as the release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein and the establishment of Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" fund. This fund has been criticized by opponents who view it as a means to financially support Trump’s allies, including individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.
In response to concerns raised during the confirmation hearings, Blanche agreed in writing to limit the scope of the tax-immunity agreement associated with the fund and to terminate the related payments. However, questions linger about the enforceability of these commitments and whether Trump might later encourage Blanche to reinstate similar financial arrangements under a different guise.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana played a pivotal role in the confirmation, casting the decisive vote in favor of Blanche. Cassidy expressed his belief that Blanche represented the best option available from Trump’s nominees, despite the backlash surrounding his nomination.
Supporters of Blanche point to his claims of reducing crime rates and addressing what he describes as injustices perpetrated by the Biden administration against Trump and conservative figures. They argue that his leadership could help realign the Justice Department's priorities with those of the current administration.
As Blanche steps into his new role, the implications of his confirmation are likely to reverberate throughout the political landscape, particularly in light of ongoing investigations and legal challenges facing Trump and his associates. The coming months will reveal whether Blanche can navigate the complexities of his position while maintaining the integrity of the Justice Department.