The U.S. Senate has voted to confirm Todd Blanch as the country's Attorney General after he served as acting head for several months amid multiple controversies and criticisms.
On Saturday, 8 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanch, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, as Attorney General with a 50-49 vote, ending a prolonged dispute since he began serving in an acting capacity in April after Pam Bondi was dismissed.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana cast the decisive vote in favor of Blanch, despite having previously voted to impeach Trump over the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Meanwhile, Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all Democrats in voting against the confirmation.
Blanch's confirmation faced significant questions, including concerns from some senators about the establishment of an $1.8 billion fund allegedly to compensate individuals claiming government harassment, but feared it might actually support defendants in the January 6 Capitol breach case.
However, these concerns eased after Blanch pledged to withdraw the fund policy following intense pressure.
At the same time, Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed doubt that Blanch could curb the government's "risky behavior" and voiced worries about political interference in the Justice Department, while Collins raised concerns about Blanch's role in mediating Donald Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit.
After the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X that Blanch's appointment opens the door to widespread corruption and that all senators who voted to confirm him are supporters of this corruption.
Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a Republican, praised Blanch for his perseverance and suitability for the Attorney General position. Blanch stated he felt greatly honored to have earned President Trump's trust for this role.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc