Todd Blanche has been sworn in as the U.S. attorney general during a Monday ceremony at the White House, officially cementing Donald Trump’s installation of his former personal attorney atop the Department of Justice.
Confirmation Vote and White House Ceremony
The 52-year-old took his oath after a narrow Senate confirmation vote in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Republican-led upper chamber voted 50-49 to confirm him, with every Democrat rejecting the nomination alongside Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Following the closed-door confirmation, press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media, “Congratulations to a great lawyer and an even better man!!!” Blanche now steps into the role permanently after serving as acting attorney general since April.
Prior Background and Trump Representation
Before joining the administration as deputy attorney general in early 2025, Blanche served as Trump’s personal criminal defense lawyer. In that role, he represented the president in the New York hush-money case and other criminal matters. He is the second Senate-confirmed attorney general of Trump’s second term, following Pam Bondi, who was ousted earlier this year.
Did You Know? Todd Blanche previously served as Donald Trump’s personal criminal defense lawyer, representing him in the New York hush-money case before joining the administration as deputy attorney general in early 2025.
Department Changes and Legal Challenges
Under Blanche’s leadership, more than 200 prosecutors and agents involved in Trump-related probes have exited the department. He has also pushed expansive theories of presidential power while suffering a string of courtroom setbacks. Those judicial bumps involved a sharp decision where a federal judge forwarded her conclusions to disciplinary authorities reviewing his conduct.
Predecessor Departure and Ongoing Controversies
Trump ousted his predecessor, Pam Bondi, after growing frustrated with what the president viewed as insufficient action from the Department of Justice against his political foes. Bondi’s tenure was also dogged by controversy over the botched handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, an issue that continues to shadow the department. Lawmakers have continued to press for the full release of those records, with Democrats accusing Blanche’s approach of mirroring Bondi’s strategy of stonewalling both survivors and Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Todd Blanche sworn in as U.S. attorney general?
Todd Blanche was sworn in during a ceremony at the White House on Monday, following a narrow 50-49 Senate confirmation vote in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Who did Todd Blanche succeed at the Department of Justice?
He succeeded Pam Bondi, whom President Trump ousted earlier this year amid frustrations over insufficient action against political foes and controversy surrounding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
What roles did Blanche hold prior to his appointment as attorney general?
Before serving as acting attorney general starting in April and taking the permanent role, Blanche served as deputy attorney general in early 2025 and as Trump’s personal criminal defense lawyer in the New York hush-money case and other criminal matters.
How will the Department of Justice under Todd Blanche handle ongoing demands from lawmakers regarding past records and investigations?
Worth a look