Senate Democrats line up against Trump's AG nominee Todd Blanche

President Donald Trump made it official Monday, formally nominating Todd Blanche as his permanent Attorney General (AG), and Democrats wasted no time firing back. Critics argue the pick is less about law enforcement and more about loyalty, with Senate Judiciary Democrats putting it bluntly: "Todd Blanche is no neutral law enforcement officer. He's never given up his primary role: Donald Trump's chief defender in court."

Senate Judiciary Committee member Chris Coons (D-DE) was unequivocal, saying he had seen enough and would not be voting for Blanche. Fellow Democrat Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) went further, calling Blanche the "most disgraceful, corrupt nominee for AG in American history" and vowed a "torturous confirmation" with ferocious opposition. "It should be bipartisan," he added.

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who is also a committee member, contended that Blanche never represented the American people as Acting AG. "Any reputable AG would quit before they allowed a president to use DOJ to go after his political enemies or engage in blatant corruption. And yet Blanche does both. The Senate must vigorously oppose his confirmation," he averred. Their House counterparts were equally swift in their condemnation.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) pointed out that Blanche was responsible for the administration's handling of the Epstein case, Trump's anti-weaponization fund, and "bogus" IRS settlement. "This is the same man who represented Trump as personal counsel when he was charged with stealing classified U.S. documents, interfering in the 2020 election, and committing election fraud with illegal hush money payments," she wrote on X, adding that he lacks the public trust required to serve as AG.

The formal nomination now sets the stage for a Senate confirmation process, where Blanche will need a majority vote to secure the role. Blanche, who would succeed Pam Bondi—fired in April—has raised serious alarm among Democrats, who fear the DOJ could be reshaped into a political instrument, deployed against Trump's enemies rather than guided by the rule of law.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in a statement that the work to process his nomination is underway. Grassley appreciated Blanche's "commitment to transparency and support for law enforcement," reiterating that he is well-qualified and dedicated to "restoring law and order across our country." In other words, whether the fierce opposition Democrats are promising will translate into reality remains to be seen, though some hope for bipartisan pushback lingers after Sen. John Cornyn told CNN that he plans to ask Blanche questions about the fund, among other things.