The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general early Saturday morning, elevating President Donald Trump's former personal defense lawyer to permanently lead the Justice Department after a monthslong stretch serving in an acting capacity. Blanche, 52, has served as acting attorney general since April, when he stepped into the role following Pam Bondi's departure, while continuing to hold his post as deputy attorney general, a position he was confirmed to in March 2025. He is the second attorney general to lead the department since Trump returned to office. With Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell absent from the Capitol following a hospitalization, Republicans could afford only two defections if all Democrats opposed Blanche. But he said he ultimately concluded it would be better to have a Senate-confirmed attorney general than one serving in an acting role indefinitely.