Kathmandu— The United States Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general early Saturday morning in a narrow 50-49 vote, marking the appointment of President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer to lead the Justice Department. The confirmation comes after a tumultuous political battle that centered on concerns regarding the potential politicization of the nation's top law enforcement agency and Blanche's close ties to the president.

A Narrow Senate Victory

The confirmation was secured by a razor-thin margin in a Senate narrowly controlled by Republicans. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana provided the deciding vote after announcing on Friday that he believed Blanche was the best candidate the president would put forward.

Blanche had been leading the department in an acting capacity since the president fired Pam Bondi in April. His formal confirmation is expected to allow him to pursue the Trump administration's agenda more aggressively.

Concerns Over Departmental Independence

The appointment has sparked deep questions regarding the independence of the Justice Department, which has historically maintained a separation from the White House. Critics have expressed fears that the president intends to use the agency to investigate his political opponents.

Blanche, who represented Trump in several criminal trials prior to his government service, has defended his record by stating he has helped bring crime to record lows and corrected what he describes as wrongs committed by the Biden administration against Trump and his conservative allies.

Controversies and Compromises

Republican senators raised several challenges during the confirmation process, including concerns over Blanche's handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Senators also questioned his role in establishing a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" fund and a related tax-immunity agreement for the president and his sons.

To secure his confirmation, Blanche agreed in writing to end the "weaponisation" payments and narrow the tax-immunity agreement. Critics have previously characterized the fund as a slush fund for Trump's allies, including those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. However, questions persist regarding whether Blanche's written commitment is legally binding or if the president could later request a similar program under a different name.

Blanche now assumes full leadership of the Justice Department following his narrow confirmation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.