The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, the former personal lawyer of Donald Trump, as the country's next attorney general. The vote passed by a narrow majority, according to a report from Le Monde.fr published on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Blanche's confirmation places a close Trump ally at the head of the US Department of Justice. Le Monde.fr reports that the Senate's approval came with only a slim margin, reflecting the contentious nature of the nomination.
Blanche previously served as part of Trump's personal legal team. His move from defending the former president in a private capacity to leading the federal government's top law enforcement agency marks a significant shift in the department's leadership. French outlet Le Nouvel Obs has noted his past role, and France 24 has described him as a close ally of Trump.
The confirmation follows a period of debate over his suitability for the role, given his history representing Trump in legal matters. Les Echos highlighted a moment where Blanche expressed strong personal loyalty to Trump, reportedly saying, "I love you, sir," which has drawn attention to his relationship with the president.
As attorney general, Blanche will oversee federal prosecutions and legal policy across the United States. The narrow vote suggests that his tenure may face close scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
What to watch next: how Blanche handles the department's ongoing cases, particularly any that involve the president or his associates, given his prior ties to the White House.
