After a fierce confirmation battle, Todd Blanche wins Senate approval and takes permanent control of the Justice Department, giving President Trump a trusted ally to advance his law-and-order agenda.

In a dramatic overnight vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General by a 50-49 margin, delivering President Donald Trump another major victory as his administration pushes forward with its effort to reshape the Department of Justice.

The vote came after weeks of political pressure, Republican disagreements and Democratic opposition. Blanche, who had already been serving as acting attorney general, now formally takes charge of the department at a pivotal moment for the Trump administration.

For Trump and his supporters, the confirmation represents more than a personnel change. It is a signal that the president has secured a Justice Department leader who understands his administration’s priorities and is prepared to challenge what conservatives have long described as a politicized federal bureaucracy.

A Major Win for President Trump

Blanche’s confirmation is especially significant because of his history with Trump.

Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche represented Trump in several high-profile legal matters. He later became deputy attorney general and ultimately took over as acting attorney general following Pamela Bondi’s departure.

That background made Blanche one of the most closely watched nominees of Trump’s second term.