Story perspectives

Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General

8/17/2026

Center

Blanche Named AG

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, as Attorney General on August 16, 2026.
Blanche said the Justice Department will keep pursuing voter-registration data lawsuits and may bring the case before the Supreme Court.
He declined to pledge DOJ independence, saying he would consider President Trump’s views on prosecutions.
Senate leader Chuck Schumer, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics warned the DOJ could serve Trump.

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Blanche Confirmed AG

The U.S. Senate confirmed former Trump attorney Todd Blanche as Attorney General on August 16, 2026.
He said any person could file a claim against the federal government for the $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate alleged politicized-prosecution victims.
Professor Barb McQuade called Blanche’s stance an appalling departure from the Justice Department’s post-Watergate mission.
Media coverage warned the Justice Department could become an arm of President Donald Trump’s administration.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Watergate break-in sparked a Senate investigation that gathered over 2,000 pages of testimony and cost about $1.5 million; the October 20 1973 “Saturday Night Massacre” forced Attorney General Elliot Richardson to resign rather than fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. Todd Blanche’s August 16 2026 Senate confirmation echoes that clash, as both faced Senate resistance over perceived executive interference.

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Blanche Named AG

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, as Attorney General on August 16, 2026.
Blanche said the Justice Department will keep pursuing voter-registration data lawsuits and may bring the case before the Supreme Court.
He declined to pledge DOJ independence, saying he would consider President Trump’s views on prosecutions.
Senate leader Chuck Schumer, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics warned the DOJ could serve Trump.

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