Senate Faces Divided Vote on Todd Blanche’s Confirmation as Attorney General

Senate Democrats and a handful of Republicans have signaled opposition to President Donald Trump’s plan to elevate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the permanent post. The dispute centers on Blanche’s record as deputy attorney general, his role in a controversial DOJ compensation fund, and his handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack investigation.

Washington Examiner

Blanche assumed the acting AG role after President Trump dismissed former AG Pam Bondi. In recent weeks the DOJ announced a $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” compensation fund for individuals claiming they were targeted for political reasons—a proposal the administration has since abandoned. Lawmakers argue the fund distracts from pressing issues such as the ongoing conflict with Iran and domestic security concerns.

TND - The National Desk

• Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) – publicly declared he will vote against Blanche’s confirmation.

Washington Examiner

• Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) – labeled Blanche a “Trump crony and loyalist” and urged his resignation.

Washington Examiner

• Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) – warned that Blanche’s loyalty is solely to the president, not the Constitution.

Washington Examiner

• Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) – said his vote hinges on Blanche’s stance regarding the Jan. 6 riot.

Washington Examiner

• Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) – postponed a decision pending answers at a Judiciary Committee hearing.

The Hill

• The contested compensation mechanism totals $1.776 billion.

The Hill

• The fund has received no congressional votes and remains unfunded.

TND - The National Desk

Blanche told reporters he would be “honored and humbled” by a presidential nomination and emphasized his ongoing role as deputy AG, noting, “I don’t say no to phone calls.” Schumer on the Senate floor asserted that Blanche’s loyalty is “to the president alone, not the Constitution, not the rule of law.” Tillis emphasized that any nominee must be “pretty tight on Jan. 6,” warning that support for rioters would forfeit his vote.

Washington Examiner

Democratic senators argue Blanche’s involvement in the abandoned fund signals a willingness to politicize DOJ resources. They also cite his past statements defending individuals charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Republican skeptics, while fewer, echo concerns about the nominee’s alignment with the rule of law and potential erosion of public trust.

TND - The National Desk

• “I would not vote for him,” — Sen. John Fetterman, D-PA

The Hill

• “I don’t know why you would introduce that when you’re in the middle of really important questions about the Iranian war and those other things. I don’t think we need any of those kind of distractions,” — Sen. John Fetterman, D-PA

The Hill

• “Obviously I’m honored and humbled that the president indicated he was going to nominate me today.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

The Hill

• “Trump picked Blanche because he’s loyal to the president alone, not the Constitution, not the rule of law, and certainly not to the American people, and not to the values that this country has had for 250 years,” — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY

Washington Examiner

• “The key for Todd or anybody going through the Judiciary Committee is being pretty tight on Jan. 6,” — Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC

Washington Examiner

The nomination is expected to move to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Blanche will face questioning on the anti-weaponization fund, Jan. 6 accountability, and his broader legal philosophy. A full Senate vote could occur after the hearing, with the outcome dependent on a small number of Republican votes.

TND - The National Desk