Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was confirmed by the United States Senate on Saturday morning in a 59-49 vote.
The vote was fairly narrow, as all Democrats and two Republicans, Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, voted against his nomination.
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration,” Murkowski wrote. “I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”
I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable. I appreciate the trip he made to learn more about Alaska, including our rural areas, and as Acting Attorney General he has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) August 7, 2026
Blanche has been acting attorney general since the spring, but he will not be the permanent successor to former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The confirmation process for Blanche, who was once President Donald Trump’s private attorney, was testy at times. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) had held up their votes in the Senate Judiciary Committee until a deal was reached clarifying elements of President Donald Trump’s settlement with the IRS, particularly nixing the once-proposed anti-weaponization fund.
“My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche posted on Sunday. “We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement. The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress.”
My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions. We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement. The… pic.twitter.com/U6hs15kw2D
— Acting AG Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) August 3, 2026
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) ended up being the deciding vote in the upper chamber, as Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has not yet returned to the Senate after being in the hospital and subsequent rehab.
"I will vote for Mr. Blanche. I'll be criticized for this vote. What's new?" Cassidy said on the Senate floor on Friday morning.
"Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this. But the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche. It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump, and who indeed may not be as good as Mr. Blanche," he continued.