U.S. Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Deputy Attorney General

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former criminal defense attorney, as Deputy Attorney General, placing one of the president’s closest legal allies in the second-highest position at the Department of Justice following a closely contested vote.

Blanche, who represented Trump in several high-profile criminal cases before joining the administration, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Justice Department and supervise its federal law enforcement agencies. His confirmation marks another significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the department’s leadership.

The nomination drew sharp partisan divisions in the Senate. Republican lawmakers praised Blanche’s legal experience and expressed confidence in his ability to manage the Justice Department, while Democrats questioned whether his close professional relationship with President Trump could affect the department’s independence and impartiality.

During his confirmation process, Blanche pledged to uphold the rule of law and stated that he would faithfully execute the responsibilities of the office without political bias. He also emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the Justice Department operates fairly and in accordance with the Constitution.

As Deputy Attorney General, Blanche will be responsible for overseeing major federal criminal investigations, civil litigation, national security matters, and coordination with U.S. attorneys’ offices nationwide. His appointment comes as the Justice Department continues to face intense political scrutiny over its handling of several high-profile cases and policy priorities.