By Andrew RiceThe Center SquareThe U.S. Senate, in a 50-49 vote Saturday, confirmed Todd Blanche to serve as the nation's 88th attorney general. Blanche was first confirmed as deputy attorney general in 2025. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said he supported Blanche’s nomination because of the work under his leadership to reduce crime through increased prosecutions. Blanche refocused the Justice Department on keeping Americans safe,” Grassley said. “That's the sort of impact we should want and should expect from the Justice Department and any attorney general that heads that department.