Todd Blanche Sworn In as U.S. Attorney General After Narrow Confirmation Vote

Former Trump personal attorney Todd Blanche was sworn in Monday as U.S. Attorney General following a contentious confirmation process that highlighted bipartisan worries about the Justice Department’s direction under the Republican administration.

The oath was administered by former Trump attorney Emil Bove, now a federal appellate judge, at the White House after the Senate confirmed Blanche early Saturday by a razor‑thin margin. Moments later, the newly appointed attorney general arrived at the Justice Department headquarters, greeted by employees gathered along the entrance.

Blanche, a former New York federal prosecutor, now formally assumes leadership of the Justice Department, where he has served in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi’s dismissal in April.

Having overcome the confirmation battle, Blanche now confronts the challenge of navigating a president who openly seeks to wield the law‑enforcement agency against his political opponents.

He will do so amid an agency depleted by resignations, dismissals, and voluntary exits, while also facing increasing resistance from the courts.

Blanche’s confirmation came on a 50‑49 vote, with two Republicans opposing the nomination over concerns about heightened politicisation of the department under Trump.

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