Senate confirms Todd Blanche as US attorney general in 50-49 vote
The Senate approved Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer after a close party-line fight that ended with one Republican breaking ranks.
The US Senate on Saturday confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general by a 50-49 vote, putting President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer in charge of the Justice Department. The vote followed a prolonged dispute over his nomination in Washington.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana provided the deciding vote, while Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed the nomination, according to reports from the vote. Every Democrat voted against Blanche.
Blanche had been serving in an acting role before the confirmation. His appointment gives Trump a close ally at the top of the federal law enforcement system.
The result came after one of the most closely fought cabinet confirmation battles of Trump’s second term, with critics raising questions about the independence of the office.
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