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The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 12–10 to advance the nomination of Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer and current acting Attorney General, to become the country’s next Attorney General. The party-line vote sends his nomination to the full Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to confirm him permanently.
Blanche’s nomination had faced resistance from some Republican senators over concerns about a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund linked to the Justice Department. Support grew after he agreed to rescind the fund and make changes aimed at addressing those concerns, allowing the nomination to move forward despite continued opposition from Democrats, who questioned his independence and handling of the Justice Department.
If confirmed by the full Senate, Blanche will officially become U.S. Attorney General after serving in an acting capacity. His nomination remains politically contentious, with supporters arguing he will strengthen the Justice Department, while critics warn his close ties to President Trump could affect the department’s independence.
