The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, as attorney general. Blanche was approved despite strong opposition from Democrats, who accused the president of politicizing the Department of Justice.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy cast the decisive vote, ending a lengthy stand-off over the nomination. Blanche, who previously represented Trump in several criminal trials, now becomes the second confirmed attorney general since Trump returned to the White House last year.
His confirmation was seen as a boost to the president, who has sought to place loyalists in key government positions. Democrats argued that Blanche's close ties to Trump raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department.
Blanche's legal career includes defending Trump in court proceedings before joining the administration. His new role gives him oversight of federal law enforcement and prosecutions. The Senate vote highlighted the narrow margins in the chamber, with Cassidy's support proving crucial to securing confirmation.