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Blanche Is Confirmed as Attorney General After Overcoming G.O.P. Concerns
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general by a narrow 50-49 vote, amid deep partisan divisions and concerns over his independence from President Trump.
- Blanche, who served as acting attorney general after Pam Bondi’s dismissal, faced criticism for presiding over a Justice Department perceived to have lost much of its autonomy to the White House.
- Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joined all Democrats in opposing Blanche’s nomination, citing fears that he would not counteract the politicization of the Justice Department.
- Senator Bill Cassidy, initially skeptical, ultimately supported Blanche, arguing that he was a better option than an alternative acting attorney general who might be less effective under Trump’s administration.
- Murkowski expressed doubt about Blanche’s ability to check the administration’s “worst impulses,” highlighting ongoing concerns about the Justice Department’s independence.
