- The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a narrow 50-49 vote, with two Republicans, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joining Democrats in opposition.
- President Donald Trump criticized Senator Murkowski as a "traitor" on social media for her vote against Blanche, contrasting it with her support for President Joe Biden's Attorney General pick.
- Murkowski expressed concerns about Blanche's independence from Trump, citing his involvement in a controversial settlement that included a proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and protections against tax audits for Trump and his family.
- Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, initially a holdout, ultimately supported Blanche after the nominee agreed to abandon the controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund and narrow the settlement terms.
- Democrats uniformly opposed the confirmation, with Senator Dick Durbin calling it a "serious mistake," while Blanche thanked Trump and the Senate for his confirmation.
IN FULL