Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in Narrow Vote

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.