Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general, 50-49
What's new: Bill Cassidy backed Blanche after two GOP defections, while every Democrat voted no and Mitch McConnell was absent.
The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, locking in President Donald Trump’s former personal defense lawyer as the Justice Department’s permanent leader. Blanche’s nomination had been in doubt after Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins opposed him, citing concerns about politicization at the department. Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy ultimately voted yes, giving Blanche the margin he needed. All Democrats voted against the nomination, and Sen. Mitch McConnell was absent. Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general since April after Pam Bondi was fired.