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Senate Narrowly Confirms Todd Blanche, Trump's Former Lawyer, as Attorney General

August 8, 2026

Summary

Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal lawyer, was confirmed as US Attorney General by a narrow 50-49 Senate vote, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposing his nomination.

How coverage differs

Left outlets emphasize Todd Blanche's concerning ties to Trump and the narrow vote, while right outlets celebrate his confirmation as a victory for the President despite the close vote.

  • Left: Narrow confirmation installs Trump loyalist, compromising Justice Department's independence Left-leaning outlets emphasize Todd Blanche's previous role as President Trump's personal defense lawyer, highlighting the narrow 50-49 Senate vote and the opposition from Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. They frame his confirmation as a concerning appointment given his close ties to the President.
  • Center: Senate narrowly confirms Blanche after tense, bruising confirmation fight Center outlets neutrally report on the Senate's confirmation of Todd Blanche as the new Attorney General, detailing the 50-49 vote count. They mention his prior role as President Trump's defense lawyer and note the opposition from Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
  • Right: President's AG pick confirmed, overcoming Senate Republican defections Right-leaning outlets celebrate Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General, portraying it as a significant victory for President Trump despite the close 50-49 Senate vote. They acknowledge the Republican 'no' votes but emphasize the successful outcome for the administration.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Trump loyalist Todd Blanche confirmed by Senate as US attorney general
  • Senate confirms Todd Blanche, Trump's ex-defense lawyer, as attorney general
  • Trump’s former personal lawyer narrowly confirmed as US attorney general
  • Senate votes to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general
  • Blanche confirmed as attorney general at a Justice Department shaped to serve Trump - CNN

Center

  • Senate Confirms Former Trump Defense Lawyer as AG
  • US Senate narrowly confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general
  • Senate Republicans narrowly confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general
  • Senate embarks on recess after funding government and confirming Blanche, punting other priorities
  • Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general after bruising fight

Right

  • Senate confirms Trump pick Todd Blanche as new attorney general
  • Todd Blanche is CONFIRMED as Trump's new attorney general in a big win for the president despite Republican 'no' votes
  • Senate confirms Todd Blanche as Trump’s attorney general in 50-49 vote
  • Blanche survives Republican defectors as Trump gets his new attorney general

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