Trump’s former lawyer wins the attorney general’s office by the narrowest margin

Trump’s former lawyer wins the attorney general’s office by the narrowest margin
Todd Blanche has secured the Justice Department’s top job, but his 50-49 Senate confirmation leaves the incoming attorney general carrying an unusually heavy burden of suspicion: to Trump’s critics, he is a personal loyalist taking control of an increasingly politicized agency; to supporters, he is the most credible nominee the president was likely to choose.

The vote followed weeks of Republican unease over Blanche’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and an agreement granting tax protections to Donald Trump, his sons and their businesses. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis said Blanche agreed in writing to end the fund and narrow the tax arrangement, helping him win support. But questions remained over whether those assurances could restrain Trump later.

The final tally reflected that tension. Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposition, while Bill Cassidy cast the decisive vote for confirmation. Cassidy acknowledged Blanche was “not perfect,” but argued the alternative could be an acting attorney general who would run the department less effectively. Conservative coverage likewise emphasized that the nomination had been in doubt because Blanche had been Trump’s personal attorney, while noting that supporters viewed him as the most palatable choice available.

Democrats saw the same facts as evidence of capture. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans had given Trump “an excuse on a silver platter” to continue what he called “breathtaking corruption.” Critics also pointed to prosecutions of Trump’s perceived opponents, departures by career lawyers and judges’ criticism of weak cases.

The administration’s message was sharply different. Vice President JD Vance called Blanche a “dedicated public servant and accomplished lawyer,” later saying he had already helped the administration fight fraud. That contrast now defines Blanche’s tenure before it begins: whether loyalty to Trump will be treated as a qualification—or the central threat to the department’s independence.