Full Breakdown
Todd Blanche Confirmed as U.S. Attorney General in a 50-49 Senate Vote
8/11/2026, 3:45:12 AM
Core Event
On Saturday morning, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the nation’s 88th attorney general by a 50-49 margin. All 45 Democrats and the two Republican holdouts—Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—voted against him; every other Republican voted in favor. The decisive vote came from Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who announced his support on the Senate floor on August 7 2026.
Background & Context
Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, had served as President Donald Trump’s personal defense lawyer since 2023 and was appointed deputy attorney general in March 2025. After Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi in April 2026, Blanche assumed the acting role. Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump over the January 6 2021 Capitol riot, faced pressure because his vote would determine whether the Justice Department would have a Senate-confirmed leader.
Data & Statistics
- Confirmation vote: 50-49 (Republicans 48 – 2 vs. Democrats 45 + 2 independents).
- Opposition: Senators Collins and Murkowski; all Democrats.
- Controversial provisions: a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund from a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion IRS lawsuit; a tax-audit immunity agreement shielding Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization.
Official Statements & Responses
Criticism & Opposition
- Sen. Susan Collins warned that confirming Blanche would be “a serious mistake.”
- Sen. Dick Durbin (ranking Democrat) said the attorney general must serve the people, not the president’s wish list.
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) noted that Blanche continues to act as Trump’s personal attorney, raising concerns about impartiality.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice as our great nation’s 88th Attorney General,” — Todd Blanche
- “The American people will be well served by his unwavering commitment to law and order,” — Karoline Leavitt, house press secretary
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Republican senators Cornyn and Tillis assert that Blanche’s written order rescinds the anti-weaponization fund and limits the tax-immunity deal to retroactive protection for past returns. Democratic ranking member Richard J. Durbin contends the rescission is “decorative” because it lacks signatures from all parties to the settlement, leaving open the possibility of revival. No court ruling has yet clarified the legal force of Blanche’s memorandum.
What’s Next
The DOJ has not filed the rescission in ongoing court cases. Lawmakers will monitor the department’s handling of the tax-immunity agreement and the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, both subjects of upcoming congressional oversight hearings.
