US President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, has been narrowly confirmed by the Senate as attorney general, ending a prolonged dispute between Republican lawmakers and the administration over his nomination to lead the Justice Department.

The confirmation vote took place overnight, with Blanche approved 50-49. Two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joined all Democrats in opposing his appointment, leaving Bill Cassidy to cast the deciding ballot. Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April, when Pam Bondi was dismissed from the role.

Close Senate vote ends confirmation standoff

Blanche’s path to confirmation had been delayed since April by concerns within the Republican conference, as well as resistance from Democrats. The near-tie underscores the sensitivity of the attorney general post for the Trump administration, coming after months of heightened political and legal tension involving the nominee.

After the result, Blanche said he was “deeply honoured by the trust and confidence” Trump had placed in him.

Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, said the decision was focused on Blanche and the circumstances of his nomination rather than a verdict on Trump. Speaking before the vote, he said that, “all considered,” he would support Blanche, adding that while Trump would ultimately set the direction of the Justice Department, Senate confirmation would give Blanche “greater leverage” to push for changes Cassidy believed were needed.

Cassidy’s vote carried additional significance given his tense political history with Trump. During Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021, Cassidy voted to convict following the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. After Trump returned to office, he backed a challenger against Cassidy and forced his retirement from the Louisiana Senate seat earlier this year.

Republicans’ concerns cited over documents and DOJ plans

Some Republican senators had questioned Blanche’s handling of the release of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. They also raised concerns about his role in setting up Trump’s proposed “anti-weaponisation” fund, described as a plan to provide compensation to people who alleged government persecution.

Critics, including Murkowski, argued that the scheme could instead benefit individuals connected to prosecutions tied to the 6 January attack on Congress in 2021. During his confirmation hearings, Blanche pledged to reverse course on the fund after pushback from Republican senators, but it remained unclear whether that commitment was legally binding or whether Trump could later seek to revive a similar mechanism under a different name.

Murkowski said she lacked confidence in Blanche to “check the worst impulses” of the administration, citing concerns about what she called the politicisation of the Justice Department.

Collins also raised objections related to Blanche’s involvement in settling Trump’s $10bn lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Despite those reservations, Collins said she trusted Blanche to provide Trump with candid legal advice.

Democrats warn of governance risk; Republicans praise qualifications

Democratic leaders criticised the nomination regardless of the narrow margin. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he was concerned Blanche’s appointment would serve as an “excuse” and argued it would help enable corruption. He said that, in his view, Blanche had continued Trump’s wrongdoing and that senators who voted to confirm him were “enablers” as well.

Most Republicans, however, moved quickly to celebrate the outcome. Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley said Blanche demonstrated “extraordinary patience, compassion and tenacity” through the process, adding that there was no doubt the nominee was qualified.

Blanche had been deputy attorney general before taking on the interim leadership role in April after Bondi was fired. His confirmation on a 50-49 vote puts him in charge of the Justice Department at a time when the Senate remains sharply divided on how far the administration will push prosecutorial and legal strategies.

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9 August 2026

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What a difference to the pathetic lawfaring douche Garland. Still a long way to go to restore trust in the judicial system after the left nuked it due to their collective irrational hatred and fear of Trump.

29 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Still a long way to go to restore trust in the judicial system

Yeah, this comment is 100% correct in my opinion.

Doctors without Borders

and

Doctors without Backbones

Edited August 9Aug 9 by MIke B Bad

Another former personal lawyer ?

Bondi did so well , not.

How do you spell corruption?Another blow to American jurisprudence it’s another trump hairpiece.let’s hope the judiciary can keep thease destroyers of our democracy in check till we can vote them out.sad

That confirmation vote really highlights how divisive Trump’s DOJ pick has been. Blanche just squeaked through 50–49, with Collins and Murkowski breaking ranks and Democrats united against him. One has to wonder about Cassidy’s deciding vote, especially given his past clashes with Trump.

Critics will certainly point to Blanche’s involvement in controversial issues like the Epstein documents and Trump’s “anti‑weaponisation” fund, while the 'true believers' will no doubt try to convince us of his qualifications and patience through the whole sordid process (despite the confirmation only coming after written guarantees to Cornyn and Tillis that the fund would be terminated).

Either way, the razor‑thin margin shows just how politicised the attorney general role has become under Trump, and it’s hard to see this appointment calming the storm around the Justice Department.

I am seething. Spines are in short supply in Washington.

A great day for the expansion of authoritarian rule in the U.S.

MAGA, baby!

9 hours ago, Tug said:

How do you spell corruption?Another blow to American jurisprudence it’s another trump hairpiece.let’s hope the judiciary can keep thease destroyers of our democracy in check till we can vote them out.sad

Post your so called allegations of corruption.

Like this.

Edited August 9Aug 9 by HolmesEquivelant

4 hours ago, Front Row said:

I am seething. Spines are in short supply in Washington.

We already have the biggest spine in office.

The great President Donald Trump!

The whole thing was a bit academic since, as Senate confirmed Deputy AG, Blanche could have served as acting AG indefinitely under Attorney General Succession Act (28 U.S.C. § 508) until a full AG -- he or someone else -- was confirmed

8 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

We already have the biggest spine in office.

The great President Donald Trump!

You've got to be kidding ...

21 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche,

Another muppet for the show. 😔

18 hours ago, Tug said:

How do you spell corruption?

I like kleptocracy. It's got a ring to it, makes the guilty ones nervous.

John Roberts: bribed or blackmailed?

13 hours ago, Front Row said:

I am seething. Spines are in short supply in Washington.

Perhaps bone spurs are contagious.............must be Fauci's fault!

38 minutes ago, Cory1848 said:

You've got to be kidding ...

I’m not laughing.

14 minutes ago, animalmagic said:

Perhaps bone spurs are contagious.............must be Fauci's fault!

Was it Fauci’s fault Clinton, Hussein and Biden never served?

35 minutes ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Was it Fauci’s fault Clinton, Hussein and Biden never served?

I think you missed the irony in my comment - Fauci was Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022 and would have had no input on the health of any President during the Vietnam War, which finished in 1975.

Trump, who sadly robbed the US Military of his tactical genius and unwavering bravery (sarcasm hint this time), by being diagnosed with bone spurs which typically start developing in individuals over the age of 60 as they are normally associated with aging and joint degeneration.

I note your referring to Obama as Hussein, as if that in itself is an indication of someone's qualities. That is on a par with your hero's denigration of Senator McCain who actually did serve in the Vietnam war.

43 minutes ago, animalmagic said:

I think you missed the irony in my comment - Fauci was Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022 and would have had no input on the health of any President during the Vietnam War, which finished in 1975.

Trump, who sadly robbed the US Military of his tactical genius and unwavering bravery (sarcasm hint this time), by being diagnosed with bone spurs which typically start developing in individuals over the age of 60 as they are normally associated with aging and joint degeneration.

I note your referring to Obama as Hussein, as if that in itself is an indication of someone's qualities. That is on a par with your hero's denigration of Senator McCain who actually did serve in the Vietnam war.

1. I did not miss the irony. You’re the one who is referring to bone spurs (Trump).

2. If Fauci had no impact on the Viet Nam war, why would you even bring it up in regards to Trump.

3. Trump was an 4-F or F-4 due to his bone spurs. Not uncommon at the time, making him legally exempt from the draft. Without spurs he would of served.

4. Fauci himself never served in the military. In 1968 he chose to take the easy way by joining the USPHS. Which exempted him from military service. How convenient. A office in Maryland vs the steaming jungle of Nam. Basically a legal draft dodger in the eyes of veterans. Yes, I’m a veteran. 24 years.

5. Who is this so called Genius you’ve referring to? I’ve never heard of him by the name you gave him, “genius”.

6. Hussein is his name on his birth certificate. My prerogative.

7. We’re discussing Presidents. McCain or any other Senator isn’t in the subject matter. Quit deflecting.

This is just another example of Trump consistently picking from the bottom of the barrel when it comes to very important appointments, and always choosing loyalty over qualifications.

Blanche is likely the worst person for the job at this moment in time.

12 hours ago, bendejo said:

A great day for the expansion of authoritarian rule in the U.S.

MAGA, baby!

The Putinization of America continues apace.

It is already far advanced.

On 8/9/2026 at 12:46 PM, SunnyinBangrak said:

What a difference to the pathetic lawfaring douche Garland. Still a long way to go to restore trust in the judicial system after the left nuked it due to their collective irrational hatred and fear of Trump.

Suuure! Appointing Trump's former personal lawyer will restore trust in the judicial system! 🤣🤣🤣

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This is just another example of Trump consistently picking from the bottom of the barrel when it comes to very important appointments, and always choosing loyalty over qualifications.

Blanche is likely the worst person for the job at this moment in time.

Quite the contrary.

Trump appoints on merit. Not DEI.

Unlike the drag queens Biden appointed based on DEI.

BTW, Trump appointed the Secretary of Treasury on merit, not because he’s gay. The highest ranking gay ever to be appointed in a presidential cabinet.

52 minutes ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Quite the contrary.

Trump appoints on merit. Not DEI.

Unlike the drag queens Biden appointed based on DEI.

BTW, Trump appointed the Secretary of Treasury on merit, not because he’s gay. The highest ranking gay ever to be appointed in a presidential cabinet.

With each subsequent post we all realize that there was no chance of you having passed the higher math and science exams.

5 hours ago, Cory1848 said:

You've got to be kidding ...

It's actually a broomstick keeping him upright.

5 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

I’m not laughing.

Even more disturbing than the fact that Trump has somehow been permitted to remain in office is that there are still people using unctuous phrases like “the great President Donald Trump!” Referring to a man -- and I hesitate to use the word “man” -- who stays up all night posting cartoons of himself in heroic situations, then during the day is either napping or obsessing about his various vanity projects. There is no universe in which these are the habits of a “great president.”

 

But then again, you parrot this “great president” by childishly calling Obama by his middle name. (Unless you came up with that all by yourself -- 555!) Plus, you’ve fallen for his bone spurs story hook, line, and sinker. So, I guess you’re pretty deep in.

 

Wake up, man.

Grab em Trump graduated near the bottom of his class at Wharton, Jim Jordan never took the bar exam and Rand Paul was never a board-certified ophthalmologist.

Mike Johnson was the Dean of a non-existent law school and Lauren Bobbert took four tries to get her GED.

Karoline Leavitt had an undistinguished academic career at St Anselm College and Jared Kushner's father paid $2 million to get him into Harvard.

To add to that you have RFK Jr, an ex-drug addict and with no medical qualifications whatsoever who is the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, and has no medical qualifications whatsoever and is a ex drug addict and an anti-VAX campaigner (or was).

Many other imbeciles in charge of departments over which they have no knowledge whatsoever and they have the nerve to grill Dr Fauci over his role in the Covid outbreak, when his president had no idea what it was all about!

Years from now, intelligent Americans (yes there are some) will look back on this time and wonder what the hell happened, and just to even the score up a little, although I am not a Trump supporter in any way, shape or form, the Democrats have to shoulder some of the blame for putting up a senile Joe Biden and an untried and unpopular Kamala Harris against a seasoned conman, and compulsive liar and grifter called Trump.

He and his administration are the maniacs running the country and impacting other countries around the world.

Notwithstanding this, Trump promised his MAGA followers the following: –

– That Mexico would pay for a wall to keep out illegals

– that he would lock up Hillary Clinton

– that he would drain the swamp, but he has added to it and big-time too

– that the American public would get affordable health care

– that he would eliminate the national debt (yeah right)

– that he would get manufacturing back to the US, which hasn't happened

– that the public would get a $5000 doge cheque

– that the public will get a $2000 tariff cheque

– that his presidency would result in lower gas prices and lower grocery prices, none of which have happened due to his stupidity over a war which he started.

Yet none of this eventuated.......poor MAGAs.

And just to finish, one has to wonder why Trump wears orange make up, JD Vance wears eyeliner and Pete Hegseth sports very large tattoos.......nice boys all of them???

I am automatically attracted to beautiful women — I just start kissing them, it’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything," he said in the 2005 conversation. "Grab 'em by the pus**."

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trump-hot-mic-when-you-re-star-you-can-do-n662116

But the businessman’s comments about the Miss Universe contestant pale in comparison to his words in the newly released recording.

On it, Trump is caught on a live microphone while talking with Billy Bush, then of “Access Hollywood.” The candidate is heard saying “I did try and f— her. She was married.” He also uses graphic terms to describe the woman’s body and says he frequently tries to kiss beautiful women.

“Access Hollywood” said an Associated Press story about Trump’s lewd behind-the-scenes comments as star of “The Apprentice” led it to dig through its archives and turn up the previously unaired footage from 2005. It was recorded during a bus ride while Trump was on his way to tape an episode of the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”

Trump issued a short apology Friday afternoon, saying he was sorry “if anyone was offended.” As he did hours later, he shifted attention toward the Clintons, saying the former president “has said far worse to me on the golf course — not even close.”

https://www.postindependent.com/news/gop-stunned-by-trump-boasts-of-groping-women-in-05-tape/

15 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Post your so called allegations of corruption.

Like this.

For those wanting more background on this 20 year old case."The Conviction: Tou Lue Vang pleaded guilty in 2006 to first-degree criminal sexual conduct for repeatedly abusing a 10-year-old girl between 2002 and 2004. He received a sentence involving probation rather than prison time, but the conviction resulted in a federal removal order.The Pardon Decision: The Minnesota Board of Pardons granted the clemency following a recommendation from the Clemency Review Commission. Officials noted that the adult victim submitted a statement of support expressing forgiveness and asking for the pardon, citing rehabilitation and the impact on Vang's family."

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

With each subsequent post we all realize that there was no chance of you having passed the higher math and science exams.

More empty nonsense.