Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, was confirmed as the attorney general on Saturday. He will now lead the Justice Department under the leadership of his former client, President Donald Trump.

Background

Blanche, 52, has been instrumental in reshaping the department in the president’s image. He has put forth legal arguments that expand the powers and protection around the presidency and oversaw the mass firings of experienced prosecutors and longtime officials.

Blanche’s confirmation was not without controversy. He was confirmed by a vote of 50 to 49, with GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting with Democrats against the nomination.

Policy Priorities

As attorney general, Blanche is expected to bring cases that highlight what the president claims were instances of Justice Department “weaponization” against him, his allies, and supporters. He will also push forward other administration priorities, such as hardline immigration cases and a crackdown on fraud involving government programs.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.