Washington: The US Senate on Saturday narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General, ending a weeks-long confirmation battle marked by concerns over his independence and handling of sensitive Justice Department matters.
Blanche was confirmed by a 50-49 vote, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against him. Senator Bill Cassidy cast the decisive vote after saying Blanche was the best option President Donald Trump was likely to nominate.
Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer, has served as acting attorney general since April and previously held the Justice Department’s No. 2 position.
Republican concerns centred on Blanche’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, as well as his involvement in Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and a related tax-immunity agreement covering Trump, his sons and their family business. Blanche agreed in writing to narrow the tax-immunity arrangement and end the payments.
Questions remain over whether those commitments are legally binding and whether a similar programme could later be revived.
Blanche’s confirmation comes as the Justice Department faces criticism over alleged politicisation, prosecutions of Trump’s perceived opponents and departures of career officials.
His supporters, however, say he is committed to public safety and the rule of law.
