Trump's Personal Lawyer Confirmed as Attorney General by One-Vote Margin

The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, as Attorney General by a narrow 50-49 vote. Two moderate Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against due to concerns over politicizing the Justice Department. Blanche pledged to dismantle a controversial federal fund and limit Trump's immunity.

The U.S. Senate today (Saturday) confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States by a narrow 50-49 vote. Blanche, formerly President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, had served as acting head of the Justice Department in recent months. The vote was close after two moderate Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against the nomination, expressing concerns about politicizing the department. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana tipped the scales by supporting the nomination, arguing that leaving an acting official without Senate oversight was a worse alternative. Blanche committed in writing to dismantle a $1.8 billion federal fund established in a settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, and to limit presidential immunity. Critics fear his promises may be broken once he is entrenched in the role.