The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as U.S. Attorney General on Tuesday, clearing a major hurdle for President Donald Trump's nominee in a 12-10 vote. The committee's decision follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding the scope of the Justice Department's authorities under the Trump administration.
Overcoming Republican Skepticism
The vote moved Blanche one step closer to a permanent appointment to lead the Justice Department. While the committee's decision was largely along party lines, the advancement occurred after Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis expressed skepticism regarding certain policy directions. According to prior reporting by Utah News Dispatch, these senators' concerns were addressed after Blanche provided a signed promise that President Trump's nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund is dead. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) confirmed that the formal rescinding of the fund and clarifications regarding the release of claims helped resolve these specific concerns from Cornyn, Tillis, and the White House.
Declining National Crime Rates
Chairman Grassley, who moved to start the executive business meeting early to accommodate the upcoming August recess, defended the nomination by highlighting significant declines in national crime rates. Citing a 2026 mid-year report from the Council on Criminal Justice, Grassley noted that homicide rates have dropped 51% from their nine-year peak. Other significant decreases include a 73% drop in carjacking, a 56% drop in residential burglary, and a 51% drop in motor vehicle theft.
A Shift in DOJ Priorities
Comparing current statistics to the same timeframe in 2019, Grassley reported that sexual assault is down 13%, assault with a firearm has decreased by 17%, robbery has fallen 41%, and drug offenses have dropped 15%. The Chairman argued that these trends reflect a Department of Justice that has successfully reprioritized the safety of the American people. He specifically contrasted current successes with the previous administration, alleging that the Biden administration had opened borders to violent criminals and turned a blind eye to heinous crimes while allegedly weaponizing the DOJ against political opponents.
Broad Support for Blanche
Blanche's supporters emphasized his record in combating fraud and protecting communities. The nomination is backed by over 670,000 law enforcement officers, more than 100 bipartisan U.S. Attorneys and DOJ officials spanning eight administrations, and 300 Angel Families. These families are groups of relatives of victims of crimes involving missing or murdered persons. During the hearing, Jennifer Bos, an Angel Mom, testified that under Blanche's direction, the DOJ has treated families as partners rather than political props.
Addressing Public Criticism
The committee's deliberations also addressed criticisms regarding the department's focus. Grassley countered claims that Blanche's department lacks concern for victims by pointing to the Department's engagement with Angel Families and its success in disrupting terrorist activities and seizing illegal firearms. The Chairman also addressed media reports, such as those from the Washington Times, noting that while some questioned why crime rates had cratered after spiking between 2020 and 2022, the administration attributes the current decline to securing borders and prioritizing public safety.
Next Steps for the Nomination
The advancement of the nomination marks a significant victory for the Trump administration's judicial agenda. By securing a 12-10 vote, the committee has ensured that Blanche's nomination will move forward to the full Senate for a final vote.
