Cassidy Backs Todd Blanche, Clearing a Key Hurdle for Attorney General Confirmation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican whose vote had been closely watched, announced Friday that he will support President Donald Trump’s nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The decision is expected to provide Blanche with enough Republican support to secure Senate confirmation, despite opposition from several members of the president’s own party.
Cassidy’s endorsement follows weeks of negotiations over concerns raised by Republican senators regarding the Justice Department’s handling of several controversial decisions during Blanche’s tenure as acting attorney general. His support significantly improves Blanche’s path to confirmation before the Senate’s scheduled August recess.
Cassidy Weighs Concerns Before Announcing Support
Speaking on the Senate floor, Cassidy acknowledged that he had reservations about aspects of Blanche’s record but concluded that confirming him was the best available option.
“All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche,” Cassidy said, adding that he expected criticism for the decision.
Cassidy said Blanche demonstrated legal expertise and administrative experience, while also recognizing that some of the nominee’s past decisions had generated legitimate questions among lawmakers.
Republican Opposition Remains
Cassidy’s announcement comes even as Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine publicly opposed Blanche’s nomination.
Both senators cited concerns about maintaining the Justice Department’s independence and questioned several actions taken while Blanche served as acting attorney general. Their opposition means Cassidy’s vote became especially significant because Republicans hold only a narrow Senate majority.
Assurances Helped Secure Republican Votes
Several Republican senators had previously delayed support while seeking written commitments from Blanche regarding controversial Justice Department policies.
Among the issues was a proposed compensation fund that drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties. Blanche later agreed to terminate the proposed fund and clarified the scope of an agreement related to IRS matters involving President Trump, steps that helped persuade several Republican holdouts to support his nomination.
Democrats Continue to Raise Objections
Senate Democrats have continued to oppose Blanche’s confirmation, arguing that the nation’s top law enforcement official must remain independent of political influence.
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois urged colleagues to reject the nomination, saying the Justice Department should be led by an attorney general committed to impartial enforcement of the law.
Democrats have also questioned Blanche’s previous role as President Trump’s personal defense attorney and his decisions while serving in senior Justice Department leadership.
White House Maintains Support
President Trump nominated Blanche after appointing him acting attorney general earlier this year.
The administration has consistently defended Blanche’s leadership, pointing to endorsements from law enforcement organizations, former Justice Department officials, and Republican state attorneys general who argue he has focused on violent crime, public safety, and strengthening cooperation with state and local law enforcement.
Confirmation Vote Expected Soon
With Cassidy’s support, Blanche now appears to have sufficient Republican backing to win Senate confirmation unless additional GOP senators change their positions before the final vote.
Senate leaders are expected to move forward with a confirmation vote before lawmakers begin their August recess, potentially making Blanche the permanent head of the Justice Department after serving in the acting role since April.
