In a closely contested vote, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, has been confirmed as the U.S. Attorney General, taking on the role of the nation's top law enforcement official. The confirmation came after a protracted standoff between Senate Republicans and the Trump administration over Blanche's nomination, who served as acting attorney general since April. The vote ended 50-49, with two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voting against him alongside all Democrats. The decisive vote was cast by Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican whose support was closely monitored due to his past disagreements with Trump. Blanche expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence President Trump has bestowed upon him post-confirmation. His nomination faced criticism over his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and the establishment of a $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation" fund, feared by some to provide compensation to individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol attack. Blanche later pledged to rescind the fund after pressure from Republican senators during his hearings. The legal binding nature and potential revival of a similar scheme under another name remain uncertain. Senators Collins and Murkowski abstained from supporting Blanche, citing concerns about his ability to check the administration's worst impulses and the politicization of the justice department. Murkowski announced her opposition on Friday, while Collins raised concerns about Blanche's role in settling Trump's lawsuit with the IRS but ultimately trusted him to provide candid legal advice. Cassidy justified his vote for Blanche as a decision based on specific circumstances rather than an endorsement of President Trump. The vote occurred amidst lingering tensions between Cassidy and Trump, who pressured Cassidy into retirement earlier this year following his vote to convict Trump during the 2021 impeachment trial. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer expressed concern that Blanche's appointment would further enable Trump's corruption, while most Republicans celebrated the confirmation. Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley praised Blanche for demonstrating patience, compassion, and tenacity throughout the appointment process, asserting his qualifications.