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// DOSSIER — todd-blanche-sworn-us-attorney-general
Todd Blanche Sworn in as U.S. Attorney General After Narrow Senate Confirmation
REL_TIME: 11 Aug 2026 05:42Z · LANG: EN
Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's former personal defense attorney, was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney General on Monday, August 10, 2026, following a highly contentious 50-49 Senate confirmation vote. Administered by federal appeals court judge Emil Bove in a private Oval Office ceremony, Blanche's appointment comes after a bruising political battle. To secure his confirmation, Blanche agreed in writing to rescind plans for a controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' intended to compensate Trump allies. Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since Pam Bondi's firing in April 2026, now faces the challenge of leading a Justice Department hollowed out by resignations and facing intense scrutiny over its perceived politicization.
// Background
Todd Blanche entered Donald Trump's inner circle in 2023 when he left his law firm to represent the former president against multiple criminal indictments. After Trump returned to the White House, Blanche was appointed to senior roles in the Justice Department, eventually becoming acting attorney general in April 2026 following the firing of Pam Bondi. His confirmation process was highly polarized, marked by concerns over DOJ independence, mass staff departures, and a controversial proposed fund to compensate Trump allies who claimed they were improperly targeted by the federal government.
// Key Developments
- Todd Blanche was sworn in as U.S. Attorney General on August 10, 2026, by federal appeals court judge Emil Bove in a private White House ceremony.
- Blanche was narrowly confirmed by the Senate in a 50-49 vote, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against him.
- To secure key Republican votes, Blanche signed an agreement rescinding a proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' designed to compensate Trump allies.
- Blanche previously served as Trump's personal defense lawyer starting in 2023 and has been acting attorney general since Pam Bondi was fired in April 2026.
- During his acting tenure, the Justice Department oversaw controversial actions, including a second indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.
// Timeline
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Todd Blanche leaves his law firm to represent Donald Trump in multiple criminal cases.
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Pam Bondi is fired as Attorney General; Todd Blanche takes over the Justice Department in an acting capacity.
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Blanche strikes a deal with Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis to rescind the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee votes 12-10 along party lines to advance Blanche's nomination.
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The Senate narrowly confirms Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 overnight vote.
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Todd Blanche is sworn in as U.S. Attorney General by Judge Emil Bove in an Oval Office ceremony.
// Perspectives
[Todd Blanche]
Defends the administration against weaponization claims, arguing his experience defending Trump showed him how the justice system was weaponized against the president, and asserts the president has a right and duty to be involved in DOJ matters.
[Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski]
Opposed Blanche's confirmation due to concerns over the increased politicization of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
[Democratic Lawmakers]
Opposed the nomination, criticizing the proposed $1.8 billion fund as a self-dealing mechanism and raising alarms over the mass ousting of career prosecutors by Blanche's deputy, Emil Bove.
[Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis]
Initially threatened to block the nomination over Trump's IRS lawsuit settlement but advanced it after securing a written commitment from Blanche to scrap the anti-weaponization fund.
// Quotes
“He ... will be, I think, a great attorney general.”
“right... and his duty”
