In a narrow vote, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, has been confirmed as the nation's top law enforcement official, marking an end to a contentious standoff between Senate Republicans and the Trump administration. Blanche served as acting attorney general since April and was confirmed in a 50-49 vote overnight, with two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joining all Democrats to oppose his nomination. The confirmation comes amid concerns over Blanche's role in establishing Trump's $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation" fund and his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Despite these issues, Blanche pledged to walk back the fund following pushback from Republican senators during his confirmation hearings. The appointment has sparked concerns among Democrats over the potential politicization of the justice department, while Republicans celebrate the victory. Notably, Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote and believes Blanche is the best option presented by the president, despite Trump's ultimate control over the direction of the justice department.