The US Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's former personal defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, as attorney general early Saturday morning. In a narrow 50-49 vote, Blanche was elevated to lead the nation's top federal law enforcement agency after previously serving in an acting capacity following the firing of another loyalist, Pam Bondi.
The vote was largely party-line, with every Democrat rejecting the nomination. Two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, also voted against Blanche. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote, making Blanche the second confirmed attorney general since Trump returned to the White House last year.
The confirmation follows a contentious battle over the independence of the Justice Department. Democrats accused the president of politicizing the agency, with Senator Dick Durbin stating the attorney general should be the people's lawyer rather than the president's personal lawyer. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer claimed the confirmation provided an excuse for corruption, arguing that the president's personal attorney should not lead the department.
The appointment is seen as a major win for President Trump, who has expressed a desire to use the Justice Department to investigate political enemies. The confirmation process was marked by deep concerns from both Republicans and Democrats regarding the willingness to bend the department to the president's interests, as well as outcry over a $1.8bn slush fund.