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The United States Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the nomination of Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, to become the country’s next attorney general.
The committee approved Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday in a party-line vote, with Republicans backing the nominee and Democrats opposing his confirmation. The decision now moves the nomination to the full Senate, where a final vote is expected later this week.
Blanche, who has been serving as acting attorney general, has emerged as a controversial figure among Senate Democrats, who have questioned whether his close ties to Trump could affect his independence in leading the Department of Justice.
Democrats have argued that Blanche’s previous role as Trump’s personal legal representative raises concerns about whether he can separate his responsibilities as the nation’s top law enforcement official from the interests of the president who nominated him.
The opposition has centred on claims that Blanche could allow the Justice Department to operate in a manner aligned with Trump’s political and legal priorities rather than maintaining institutional independence.
Republicans, however, have defended Blanche’s nomination, pointing to his legal experience and arguing that he is qualified to oversee the department. With Republicans holding control of the Senate, Blanche’s confirmation is expected to face limited obstacles unless there are unexpected defections within the party.
If confirmed, Blanche would formally take charge of the Justice Department, overseeing federal law enforcement agencies and major legal matters across the United States.
The nomination comes as the department continues to face scrutiny over questions surrounding political influence and the role of the attorney general in maintaining the independence of federal investigations and prosecutions.
