Todd Blanche, formerly President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, was sworn in as U.S. attorney general after a closely-fought Senate confirmation. Driving the news: The confirmation was contentious, with Blanche approved by a narrow 50-49 margin; two Republicans opposed his nomination, citing increased politicization of the Justice Department under Trump. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor from New York, had been serving as acting attorney general since Pam Bondi’s firing in April. The Justice Department has experienced high turnover, with many resignations, firings, and departures during this period. Zoom in: As acting and deputy attorney general, Blanche oversaw investigations of several Trump foes, including the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.