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Blanche sworn in as attorney general
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Todd Blanche was sworn in as attorney general after a narrow 50-49 Senate confirmation vote, following a contentious battle that highlighted bipartisan concerns about the Justice Department's politicization under President Trump.
- Blanche, who has been acting attorney general since April, now leads an agency weakened by resignations and facing increasing judicial pushback, while managing Trump's desire to use the department against political opponents.
- As deputy and acting attorney general, Blanche oversaw investigations into Trump’s adversaries, including former FBI Director James Comey, and has defended the administration against claims of weaponizing the Justice Department.
- Blanche’s close relationship with Trump, developed while representing him in multiple criminal cases, is seen by supporters as an asset that could enable him to better resist presidential pressures compared to his predecessor.
- Despite concerns from some Republicans about increased politicization, Blanche maintains that the president’s involvement in Justice Department affairs is both his right and duty, and he denies feeling pressured to accommodate Trump.
