Todd Blanche was sworn in Monday as the 88th attorney general of the United States at a White House ceremony. Former Trump attorney Emil Bove administered the oath.

Blanche led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April 2, 2026, following the removal of Pam Bondi. President Donald Trump nominated him in June to succeed Bondi permanently.

The Senate confirmed Blanche on August 8 in a narrow 50-49 vote. Two Republicans joined Democrats in opposition, citing concerns over the department's direction. Blanche previously served as deputy attorney general after Senate confirmation in March 2025.

A former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, Blanche represented Trump in multiple criminal cases before joining the administration. He has emphasized restoring public safety and addressing priorities aligned with the president's agenda.

Blanche, 52, was born in Denver and graduated from Brooklyn Law School. His career includes more than 15 years at the Justice Department in various roles before entering private practice.

The confirmation capped a months-long process that included committee hearings in July. Blanche now oversees the department's 115,000 employees across its components, including the FBI and U.S. attorneys' offices.