The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, 52, as attorney general, elevating President Donald Trump’s one-time personal defence lawyer to lead the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said on Friday he would back Todd Blanche for attorney general, clearing a path for Trump’s nominee after weeks of scrutiny over the Justice Department’s independence from the White House. Cassidy had emerged as the probable deciding vote after Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of ‌Alaska said she would oppose Blanche for the top US law enforcement job, leaving the nomination on the brink. Republicans closed ranks and supported Blanche in a 50-49 vote even after Murkowski and another Republican Party senator, Susan Collins of Maine, joined Democrats in opposition. US Senator Bill Cassidy announced his decision in Washington on Friday to support the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to be attorney general.