US SENATE CONFIRMS TRUMP’S FORMER LAWYER BLANCHE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL

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Agency Report

President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, has been confirmed as the United States attorney general after Senate Republicans dismissed Democratic concerns that the Justice Department could become politicised under his leadership.

Blanche, who had already been serving as acting attorney general, was confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate in a 50-49 vote.

Before joining the government, Blanche served as Trump’s private lawyer in several criminal cases.

Trump, who has challenged traditional norms by seeking greater control over agencies that are expected to operate independently, has described Blanche as a “star.”

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Democrats strongly opposed his nomination, accusing the president of turning the Justice Department into a political instrument.

“The attorney general is supposed to be the people’s lawyer,” Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on Tuesday.

“Mr Blanche continues to operate as the president’s personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department like a law firm serving one client — the president.”

Blanche’s confirmation had faced uncertainty after questions emerged over whether the White House could secure enough support from Republican senators, given the party’s slim majority.

One major point of contention was a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate people Trump describes as victims of politically motivated prosecutions. The proposal was expected to potentially benefit some of those convicted or charged over the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, when supporters of Trump attempted to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Another controversial proposal involved granting Trump immunity from certain tax audits.

‘Hush money’ case

Blanche eventually eased opposition within his party by issuing a written order over the weekend that scrapped the proposed political “anti-weaponisation fund.”

He also clarified that an agreement concerning tax-audit immunity for Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization would apply only retroactively to previous tax years and would not cover future filings.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general since Trump dismissed Pam Bondi, another political ally, in April.

Since taking over, he has been closely associated with what Democrats have described as the Trump administration’s campaign of “retribution” against political opponents.

Blanche has also faced criticism from victims of Jeffrey Epstein over his handling of the release of investigative files relating to the convicted sex offender, who was once a close associate of Trump.

Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche represented Trump during his New York trial over alleged “hush money” payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

He was also part of Trump’s legal defence team in two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith. One case accused Trump of mishandling classified documents after leaving office, while the other involved allegations that he sought to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Both cases were dropped after Trump returned to the White House following his victory in the 2024 presidential election.

AFP