Todd Blanche, who once defended Donald Trump in court, now leads the US Justice Department. A razor-thin 50-49 Senate vote confirmed him as attorney general, ending weeks of partisan wrangling over his fitness for the role. Main Developments The confirmation came after Vice President JD Vance cast the decisive tie-breaking vote, according to the Senate tally. Blanche's path to the top law enforcement job was anything but smooth, with Democrats citing concerns about his ties to the president. Controversy swirled around his Department of Justice role before the vote. Questions about the Epstein files and a disputed $1.8 billion fund meant to prevent the weaponization of government agencies dominated the confirmation debate. Read also: Why the Mecca defence pact could reshape Gulf security Background Blanche's career has been defined by his representation of Trump during several high-profile legal battles. His transition from presidential defender to the nation's top prosecutor marks an unusual trajectory for someone with no prior experience running a federal law enforcement agency. The $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund became a flashpoint during the confirmation process, with critics questioning its purpose and oversight. Lawmakers also pressed Blanche on how he would handle the Epstein files, a subject that has generated intense public interest. Why It Matters Blanche now oversees federal prosecutions, civil litigation, and the FBI at a moment when public trust in the Justice Department faces significant strain. His close relationship with the president raises questions about how independently he will operate. What's Next The new attorney general must now navigate the Epstein files controversy and implement decisions about the disputed fund. His early moves will signal whether he intends to chart an independent course or align closely with White House priorities.