WASHINGTON — Todd Blanche was sworn in as U.S. attorney general on Monday after the Senate narrowly confirmed President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer in a 50-49 vote, placing him permanently at the helm of the Justice Department after weeks of contentious debate over his independence and the department’s direction.
Blanche took the oath at the White House in a ceremony administered by Emil Bove, a former Trump Justice Department official and former member of Trump’s legal team who is now a federal judge, according to reports. Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general while holding the position of deputy attorney general.
The Senate confirmation came after Blanche secured enough Republican support to overcome objections from some members of his party. The 50-49 tally reflected opposition from Democrats and two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, according to reports on the vote.
Blanche’s nomination had faced particular scrutiny because he previously represented Trump in several criminal cases before joining the administration. During his July confirmation hearing, Blanche sought to reassure senators that he would act independently as attorney general and would not simply follow Trump’s wishes.
The nomination also nearly stalled over a Justice Department settlement involving Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had sought assurances concerning a proposed $1.8 billion fund associated with claims of government “weaponization.” Blanche subsequently issued written assurances that the fund would not proceed, helping clear the way for his confirmation.
Blanche, who was formally nominated by Trump in June, previously served as the president’s defense attorney before becoming deputy attorney general in March 2025. The White House and Justice Department have highlighted his prosecutorial background and his focus on combating violent crime, drug trafficking, fraud and transnational criminal organizations.
As attorney general, Blanche will oversee more than 100,000 Justice Department employees and the federal agencies and prosecutors responsible for enforcing U.S. law nationwide. His confirmation ends his period as acting attorney general and gives him permanent authority to direct the department as the administration faces continued legal and political scrutiny.
