Senate confirms Todd Blanche as US attorney general in 50-49 vote
The US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal lawyer, as attorney general in a 50-49 vote. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski broke with their party to oppose him, with Senator Bill Cassidy casting the deciding vote.
The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general on Saturday in a narrow 50-49 vote, capping a contentious nomination process for President Trump's former personal lawyer. The confirmation hearing had drawn sharp scrutiny from both parties over Blanche's ties to the president.
Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, broke ranks to vote against the nomination, underscoring internal party divisions. Senator Bill Cassidy ultimately cast the deciding vote that pushed Blanche over the threshold.
The confirmation clears the way for Blanche to take over the Justice Department, and reflects how narrowly the administration's nominees have been clearing the Senate this term. The vote count highlighted the fragile margins Republican leadership must navigate on contested appointments.
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