The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche in a razor-thin 50-49 vote early Saturday morning after Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana provided the decisive support needed for confirmation. How Todd Blanche secured Senate confirmationThe nomination remained in jeopardy until the final days of the confirmation process. Why Critics Say Todd Blanche Threatens DOJ IndependenceOpposition to Blanche's confirmation quickly spread beyond Capitol Hill, drawing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and government watchdog groups. "Under Todd Blanche's leadership, the DOJ will continue putting President Trump's personal and political interests ahead of justice and accountability for victims. Collins similarly argued that the Justice Department had become "increasingly political" and that Blanche had further eroded the department's independence.