War on Judges and Persecution of Rivals: The Trump Lawyer Who Became US Attorney General

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, Trump's personal lawyer, as US Attorney General by a vote of 50 to 49. Blanche, who pledged loyalty to the president, has filed charges against political rivals and approved an immunity deal for Trump. Only two Republicans opposed.

The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, as US Attorney General by a vote of 50 to 49. Blanche, who left a New York law firm three years ago to represent Trump in the hush-money trial, swore absolute loyalty to the president, saying, "No matter what position I get, I'll say 'I love you, sir'." Since becoming acting attorney general in April, he has filed charges against Trump's political rivals, including former FBI Director James Comey, and approved a controversial deal granting Trump and his family immunity from tax investigations. The deal also included a $1.8 billion "compensation fund" for the president's allies, but that part was scrapped after criticism. Only two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, opposed the appointment. Senator Bill Cassidy, who cast the decisive vote, argued that Blanche would be effective in curbing problematic moves by the president. The 52-year-old Blanche now heads the federal prosecution system, which has undergone dramatic changes since Trump's return to the White House, including the firing of career staff and reduced independence of the office.