Story perspectives

Blanche Confirmed as Attorney General in 50-49 Senate Vote

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Todd Blanche, criminal-defense lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump, was confirmed as Attorney General on August 13, 2026 by a 50-49 Senate vote.
Blanche told DOJ staff he will lead with integrity and solicit employee ideas.
He said the agency’s depleted workforce will benefit from open disagreement to improve decisions.
He cited drops in violent crime, drug trafficking and gang activity as successes and noted over 500 DOJ openings on USAJobs.gov.

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Story summary

Todd Blanche, criminal-defense lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump, was confirmed as Attorney General on August 13, 2026 by a 50-49 Senate vote.
Blanche told DOJ staff he will lead with integrity and solicit employee ideas.
He said the agency’s depleted workforce will benefit from open disagreement to improve decisions.
He cited drops in violent crime, drug trafficking and gang activity as successes and noted over 500 DOJ openings on USAJobs.gov.