Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, has been confirmed as U.S. attorney-general.
Mr Blanche, who had been in the position in acting capacity since April, was confirmed after winning a 50-49 vote in the early hours of Saturday.
While two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all Democrats to oppose Mr Blanche’s nomination, Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote which led to his confirmation.
Mr Blanche, in a statement on X, appreciated Mr Trump for considering him worthy for the position.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice as our great nation’s 88th Attorney General. I am grateful to the Senate for staying late to complete this process,” he wrote.
Mr Blanche’s confirmation came under jeopardy amid concerns over his role in establishing Mr Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund which was designed to compensate individuals who alleged government persecution.
The politician, however, said he would reverse the fund after Republican senators pushed back during his confirmation hearings.
Mr Blanche joined Mr Trump’s administration as acting attorney-general after Pam Bondi’s dismissal months ago.
He is now expected to serve as the U.S.’ top law enforcement officer under his former client.
