In a closely divided Senate vote early Saturday, Todd Blanche was confirmed as the new Attorney General of the United States. This decision solidifies President Donald Trump's influence over the Department of Justice, an agency that has historically maintained its independence from the White House. The Republican-led Senate voted 50-49 to appoint Blanche, who has been acting in the position since Trump returned to office last year. Amidst a tumultuous confirmation process, Blanche was opposed by two Republicans and every Democrat, due to concerns about his close ties to Trump and a controversial settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Notably, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy provided the decisive vote in support of Blanche. The confirmation comes after Blanche publicly pledged to abandon Trump's proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for the president's allies, including those involved in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, and to rein in another aspect of the settlement designed to shield Trump and his family from IRS tax audits. The confirmation fight was marked by deep-seated concerns about installing a close ally of Trump atop the Justice Department, with Senators Dick Durbin and Bill Cassidy expressing strong opinions on either side of the debate.