The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as US Attorney General early Saturday by a vote of 50 to 49, following a contentious and uncertain process in Washington. Blanche, a former personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, previously led the Justice Department in an acting capacity.
With the Senate confirmation, he receives a full mandate to continue implementing the administration’s agenda. The vote showed the deep divisions in the Senate, as all Democratic senators voted against Blanche, as well as two Republican senators – Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
His candidacy faced opposition even within the Republican Party due to a settlement related to Trump’s lawsuit against the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), media reports. Under pressure from senators, Blanche promised in writing that she would withdraw from the proposed $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies, including people who participated in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
He also vowed to limit the part of the deal that would shield Trump and his family members from tax audits. “This is not a referendum on President Trump. This is a decision for Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances,” said Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, whose support was crucial. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin warned that confirming Blanche would be “a serious mistake.”
“If there was ever a moment in history when we need an untainted attorney general who is clearly committed to ending corruption, even at the highest levels of our government, that moment is right now,” Durbin said. Blanche had previously served as a federal prosecutor in New York, and became known to the general public as one of Trump’s main lawyers in his criminal cases.
Democrats accuse him of putting loyalty to Trump over the independence of the Justice Department. His supporters, however, argue that precisely because of his experience and relationship with the president, Blanche could be more effective in setting limits on the White House’s demands. /Telegraph