President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he plans to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as the country's top prosecutor permanently. Trump expressed this intention during an interview on "Pod Force One" and at a White House dinner, according to videos posted by a White House aide.
Blanche has been serving in an acting capacity since taking over leadership of the Justice Department in April, following the firing of Pam Bondi. The nomination would formalize his role as the top U.S. law enforcement officer.
To become permanent, the nomination must be approved by the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a very thin majority. Blanche is expected to face a tough confirmation fight.