The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Todd Blanche’s nomination for the position of the next U.S. Attorney General by a vote of 12–10, paving the way for a final confirmation vote in the full Senate.
Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump and currently serving as acting Attorney General, has faced criticism from Democrats, who have raised concerns over the independence of the Department of Justice under his leadership.
Senator Chris Coons, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, opposed the nomination ahead of the vote, arguing that American citizens deserve an independent and transparent Justice Department.
“I do not believe Blanche can or wants to meet that standard,” Coons said.
Senator Adam Schiff also urged his colleagues to vote against the nomination, warning that using the Attorney General’s office to pursue political opponents would undermine the rule of law.
According to Schiff, confirming an Attorney General who accepts such a role would damage the independence of the Department of Justice and set a dangerous precedent for U.S. institutions.
