Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support for Todd Blanche to serve as the nation's attorney general. This move provides the necessary backing for Blanche to secure his confirmation in the Senate. The path for Blanche was previously complicated by opposition from other members of his own party, but Cassidy’s decision marks a critical turn in the process.
Cassidy stated that while his choice involves some reservations regarding past decisions, he views the appointment as a practical necessity. He argued that the alternative involves leaving an acting attorney general in charge rather than confirming a permanent head for the Department of Justice. Cassidy expressed that his primary focus remains on the long-term stability of the agency.
Opposition to the nominee centered on his past involvement with an anti-weaponization fund and concerns over tax immunity agreements involving the president. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis moved to support the nomination after Blanche rescinded directives related to those funds. Despite this, some survivors of crimes involving Jeffrey Epstein remain critical of the nominee following a recent meeting at the department.
Blanche previously served as a personal defense lawyer for the president before taking on the acting attorney general role. With Republicans holding a narrow majority and some GOP members already signaling opposition, the floor vote remains significant. The chamber intends to address the nomination before departing for a scheduled recess.