The Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as US attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy providing the deciding vote after a lengthy stand-off.
Key facts
- Todd Blanche was confirmed as US attorney general in a 50-49 vote.
- Republican Senator Bill Cassidy was the deciding vote.
- Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed the nomination.
- Blanche is President Trump's former personal criminal defence lawyer.
- The Senate vote came early Saturday morning after Blanche cleared the Judiciary Committee.
The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as the nation’s attorney general early Saturday morning, elevating President Trump’s former personal lawyer to head the Justice Department, according to NPR.
The confirmation came in a 50-49 vote, CNBC reported, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposing the nomination. Senator Bill Cassidy was the deciding vote.
Cassidy’s support rescued a nomination that had faced rare pushback from some Republicans. According to the BBC, Cassidy became the deciding vote after a lengthy stand-off over the confirmation.
Blanche had needed at least 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed after clearing the Senate Judiciary Committee, CNBC noted. The narrow margin underscored the divisions the nomination generated within the Republican ranks.
The BBC reported that the vote cements Trump’s former criminal defence lawyer as the nation’s top law enforcement official, despite the rare opposition from within his own party.
As attorney general, Blanche will now lead the Justice Department, moving from his previous role representing Trump to overseeing federal law enforcement.
Why it matters
The attorney general leads the Justice Department and serves as the nation's top law enforcement official, making the appointment consequential for federal legal priorities. The unusually narrow 50-49 margin, with two Republicans breaking ranks, highlights the political sensitivity of installing the president's former personal lawyer in the role.
Frequently asked questions
What was the vote count to confirm Todd Blanche?
According to CNBC, Blanche was confirmed in a 50-49 vote, with Senator Bill Cassidy casting the deciding vote.
Which Republicans opposed Blanche's confirmation?
CNBC reported that Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposed his nomination.
Who is Todd Blanche?
According to NPR and the BBC, Blanche is President Trump's former personal criminal defence lawyer, now confirmed to head the Justice Department as attorney general.