Todd Blanche, the man who defended President Donald Trump when he was convicted on criminal charges in New York City, has been confirmed as attorney general, according to reports.
Blanche was confirmed early Saturday morning by a vote of 50 to 49 after a dramatic showdown saw Sen. Lisa Murkowski vow to block him Friday morning and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) affirm his support on the Senate floor — both citing serious concerns.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice as our great nation’s 88th Attorney General,” Blanche said on X Saturday morning.
“To the dedicated public servants of the Department of Justice, thank you for your work each day to uphold the law and keep our country safe.”
Sen. Susan Collins joined Murkowski and Democrats in opposing Blanche’s confirmation, according to the New York Times.
Murkowski only announced her decision Friday morning, and cited among her concerns Blanche’s handling of the Justice department’s investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and Blanche’s close ties to Trump.
“I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators,” she wrote.
“Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds. The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration.”
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