WASHINGTON — Republican Senator Bill Cassidy’s decision to support Todd Blanche cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee to win confirmation, overcoming opposition from two other Republicans and weeks of concern over the Justice Department’s independence.
Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who had raised questions about Blanche’s record, announced his support on Friday after discussions with Blanche and the Trump administration. His backing was critical because Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine had said they would oppose the nomination.
Blanche, a former personal attorney to Trump, has served as acting attorney general since April and previously was the Justice Department’s second-ranking official. His nomination became one of the most closely contested Cabinet confirmations of Trump’s second term as lawmakers from both parties questioned whether he would maintain sufficient independence from the White House.
Cassidy had criticized Blanche’s role in a Justice Department settlement involving Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement provided tax immunity to Trump and his family businesses and included a now-abandoned $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate Trump allies, according to Reuters.
Blanche secured support from other Republican holdouts, including Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, after providing written assurances that the so-called anti-weaponization fund would not be revived and that the related tax-immunity agreement applied only to past tax returns.
Murkowski said she could not support Blanche because she lacked confidence that he would act as a check on the administration. She cited concerns over the handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, legal protections involving Trump and his family, statements concerning abortion policy and investigations involving Trump critics and lawmakers.
The Justice Department under Blanche has also faced criticism over investigations involving Trump’s political opponents and the departure of career prosecutors. Supporters of the nominee have pointed to his legal experience and his pledge to provide the president with candid legal advice.
Senate Republican leader John Thune had sought to complete the confirmation before senators left Washington for a month-long recess. The Senate subsequently confirmed Blanche on Saturday in a narrow vote, according to Reuters.
