Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in Narrow Vote
FlatRigor 6420 sources
The Story
Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, received confirmation as the new United States Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 Senate vote early Saturday morning. Outgoing Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote around 4:30 am ET, despite previously outlining reservations about the nominee. Blanche has overseen the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April 2. His confirmation concludes a lengthy standoff between Senate Republicans and the Trump administration regarding his appointment. He becomes the second confirmed Attorney General since President Trump returned to the White House, following Trump's stated desire to use the law enforcement agency to investigate political enemies. Two Republican senators sided with Democrats in opposition to Blanche's confirmation. President Trump condemned a GOP senator who refused to vote for Blanche, referring to them as a traitor. Blanche agreed to narrow a tax-immunity deal and end anti-weaponization payments, which critics described as a fund for the president's allies. Almost all Republicans aligned with the president in the 50-49 vote. Senators proceeded with the confirmation as they raced to leave Washington for August recess. Blanche now officially serves as the nation's chief law enforcement officer.
The Spread
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What they agree on
- Todd Blanche was confirmed as the new United States Attorney General.
- The Senate confirmation vote was 50-49.
- Blanche previously served as President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer.
- He has been overseeing the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April 2.
- The confirmation occurred early Saturday morning.
Where they split
- Some independent outlets, such as Raw Story and PJ Media, use highly critical or celebratory language in their headlines regarding the confirmation, while The American Conservative and Daily Sabah report the event neutrally.
- The Daily Beast and The Daily Wire emphasize Senator Bill Cassidy's role in casting the deciding vote despite prior reservations.
- Daily Sabah highlights the confirmation as ending a "lengthy standoff," whereas Common Dreams frames it as the Senate "rushes through" the confirmation.
- Breitbart News focuses on Blanche becoming the second confirmed attorney general since Trump's return to the White House with a stated desire to investigate political enemies.
Source Perspectives
Left5 sources
Center9 sources