Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana stated on the Senate floor that he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, an announcement that observers say likely clears the path for Blanche’s confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Cassidy’s backing comes after Blanche’s nomination faced uncertainty due to opposition from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.
Cassidy acknowledged concerns about Blanche’s record, citing a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund, a tax audit immunity agreement for President Trump, and investigations targeting the president’s political opponents. However, Cassidy argued that no alternative nominee would be better suited to run the department under Trump’s administration. He also noted that Blanche’s prior work as Trump’s criminal defense attorney could enhance his ability to push back against the president’s requests by helping him understand legal limitations.
Blanche’s confirmation process has been complicated by disputes surrounding a settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The settlement included provisions for the $1.8 billion fund and tax audit protections for Trump and family members. Murkowski cited concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, the tax immunity agreement, and the proposed fund in announcing her opposition. She stated that while she hopes Blanche could check problematic administration actions if confirmed, she lacks confidence in that outcome.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche’s nomination after a deal with Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Under that agreement, Blanche formally rescinded the compensation fund and clarified that tax protections apply only to specific parties and open claims. Democrats and legal experts have questioned whether these commitments will hold after confirmation, with some arguing that legislation is necessary to permanently prevent fund creation. A federal judge previously described Trump’s lawsuit as improper self-dealing, and the IRS workers’ union has sought judicial intervention.
Democrats have opposed Blanche’s nomination, with some characterizing him as prioritizing loyalty to Trump over Justice Department independence. Supporters counter that his prosecutorial background and trusted relationship with the president position him to effectively explain legal constraints to the administration. Blanche would serve as Trump’s second confirmed attorney general since Trump returned to the White House, following Pam Bondi’s departure in April.
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