Blanche confirmed as attorney general in 50-49 Senate vote

Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, was sworn in as U.S. Attorney General on Thursday after the Senate confirmed him 50-49 along party lines. The vote capped weeks of partisan debate over his ties to Trump and his role in legal battles tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s associates and a controversial $1.8 billion fund meant to fight government “weaponization.”

Blanche’s rapid rise from Trump’s legal team to the nation’s top law enforcement post raises fresh questions about conflicts of interest and DOJ independence. Critics argue his background—including work on Trump’s 2020 election challenges and ties to figures linked to Epstein—could compromise impartiality. Supporters counter that Blanche’s legal experience qualifies him, despite the Ethics Office’s review noting “potential for public concern.” The Senate vote broke along party lines, with every Republican backing Blanche and every Democrat opposed, signaling deep skepticism outside the GOP.

The confirmation comes amid heightened scrutiny over Blanche’s past work. In 2020, he represented Trump in post-election lawsuits challenging election results in key states. He also worked on cases tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s network, including a $1.8 billion fund set up after Epstein’s death to compensate victims of sexual abuse linked to his associates. The fund, criticized as a sweetheart deal, was overseen by a DOJ office where Blanche later served as a senior advisor. Democrats demanded documents and testimony during his confirmation, but Republicans blocked most requests, arguing Blanche’s legal record justified the appointment.

Now in office, Blanche faces immediate pressure to restore trust in the DOJ after years of political interference under Trump. His first major test may be overseeing investigations into January 6 and Trump’s role in the 2020 election, areas where critics fear bias could undermine public confidence. The White House called his confirmation a “vindication of competence,” while watchdog groups warned of a “dangerous precedent” for future politicized DOJ leadership. With Congress divided, Blanche’s tenure could hinge on whether he can navigate ethics concerns—or deepen the perception that justice is being reshaped to serve political ends.