Senate confirmation battle looms as Trump names Blanche attorney general

President Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer and current acting attorney general, to serve as the United States attorney general. The nomination is expected to trigger a contentious Senate confirmation hearing, given Blanche’s controversial tenure involving the Epstein files, the January 6 rioters, and the Justice Department’s handling of investigations into Trump’s allies. Blanche previously served as deputy attorney general and has faced bipartisan criticism for alleged politicisation of the department.

The nomination allows Trump to legally extend Blanche’s interim tenure beyond the 210-day cap imposed by the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, as Blanche has served roughly 67 days in the role. Blanche assumed the position on an interim basis following the April 2026 firing of his predecessor, Pam Bondi. Without a formal nomination, Blanche’s time in the role would have expired, but the appointment provides a pathway for his continued leadership of the department.

Blanche’s path to the top law enforcement post has been marked by significant legislative and legal milestones. He was previously confirmed as deputy attorney general in a party-line vote of 52 to 46 on March 5, 2025, with all Democrats opposing the measure. Republicans currently hold a narrow 53-seat majority in the 100-seat Senate, a margin that may prove tight given emerging dissent within the party.

Critics have pointed to Blanche’s handling of high-profile cases as evidence of political interference. As deputy attorney general, Blanche interviewed convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell in July 2025 regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring. Maxwell subsequently testified that Trump committed no wrongdoing and was moved to a minimum-security prison in Texas. Additionally, the Justice Department, under Blanche’s interim leadership, filed a second indictment against former FBI Director James Comey over a social media message prosecutors alleged was a threat to Trump.

Democratic leaders have called for a rejection of the nomination, with California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra stating that Blanche “weaponized the DOJ,” created a slush fund for allies, and “botched the Epstein files.” Conversely, Senator Chuck Grassley expressed support for Blanche, citing his commitment to transparency and support for law enforcement. Outgoing Senator Thom Tillis has called on Blanche to condemn January 6 rioters who attacked police officers as a condition for his confirmation vote.