Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General 50-49
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Summary
The Bloomberg segment reported the Senate's narrow early-morning confirmation of Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer and acting AG, as Attorney General by a 50-49 vote. It detailed the late switch by Sen. Bill Cassidy, opposition from Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, and concessions that curtailed a proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' tied to an IRS settlement and limited presidential tax audit protections. The broadcast also covered passage of a bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government until Dec. 11, a sweeping Russia sanctions bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham that includes up to 100% tariffs on Russian energy importers and provisions on Iran, Trump's comments on the Fed, a White House letter pressing Fed Gov. Lisa Cook on mortgage fraud allegations, and a new executive order on birthright citizenship.
Editorial Assessment
The coverage was largely accurate on the mechanics of the Blanche confirmation, legislative votes, and ongoing Trump administration actions, drawing on reporter Laura Davison's firsthand Hill knowledge and recent developments. Viewers received good context on Cassidy's 'devil you know' rationale and the non-binding nature of the DOJ memo on the fund, but the segment's framing highlighted risks of politicization and Trump overreach without deeply exploring counterarguments, such as the fund's stated purpose to redress alleged Biden-era lawfare against Trump allies. Missing context includes the full bipartisan support for the Russia sanctions (86-11 vote) and that the birthright order follows a Supreme Court loss but may test new legal avenues. The rapid 'voterama' format covered multiple complex topics effectively but occasionally used loaded descriptors like 'insurrectionists' that could skew perceptions of the fund's scope. Overall, a solid news roundup that equips viewers with key outcomes while reflecting mainstream skepticism of Trump's DOJ and monetary policy influence.
Key Moments
Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as AG after Bill Cassidy switched from holdout to yes, with Collins and Murkowski voting no.
Confirmed by Senate roll call vote 230 on Aug. 8, 2026: 50-49, with Collins and Murkowski joining Democrats in opposition.
Concessions from DOJ via memo tabled/killed the $1.8B anti-weaponization fund and limited the IRS tax audit deal for Trump.
Blanche negotiated with senators including Cornyn and Tillis; DOJ memo curtailed the fund (previously enjoined by court) and IRS provisions, though not statutorily binding.
Senate passed a continuing resolution keeping government funded until Dec. 11, with 90-6 vote, kicking the can past midterms but requiring House agreement to avoid shutdown.
Senate passed CR 90-6; extends funding to Dec. 11, 2026, with bipartisan support but House negotiations pending.
Senate passed sweeping Russia sanctions bill with up to 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian energy, plus Iran provisions and presidential waiver flexibility, in honor of late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Passed 86-11; includes secondary tariffs on top Russian oil/gas buyers (e.g. China, India), additional Iran sanctions, and waiver authority, fulfilling Graham's priority.
Trump White House sent letter to Fed Gov. Lisa Cook demanding response to mortgage fraud allegations by mid-August, reviving effort to remove her after Supreme Court loss.
Letter signed by Dan Scavino, gives until Aug. 26, 2026 to respond; follows June 2026 SCOTUS ruling blocking prior removal for lack of due process.
Notable Concerns
- Slight overstatement framing the anti-weaponization fund as primarily for January 6 participants; it was established in a Trump-IRS settlement for broader 'weaponization' claims, though critics highlighted potential payouts to allies.
- Limited exploration of the Russia sanctions bill's waiver authority and potential economic impacts of tariffs, despite noting Democratic concerns.
Sources Consulted
- Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General - POLITICO Live Updates
- Senate votes to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general
- Senate passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill pushed by late Sen. Lindsey Graham
- Trump continues defense of 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
- White House revives unprecedented effort to remove Fed's Lisa Cook
- Senate leaders reach a deal to avert a shutdown before the midterm elections
- Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order
- Roll Call Vote on Nomination of Todd Blanche