Katie Britt

Alabama Republicans backed President Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general after other members of Congress posed weeks of questions about his ability to work independently of the president.

U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville both voted in favor of Blanche’s confirmation Friday. Blanche was confirmed on a vote of 50-49, after several key senators decided to support him.

Todd Blanche “has worked diligently at the DOJ for many months to crack down on crime and keep communities safe across the nation,” Britt posted on X after the vote. “I know he will continue to do that as AG.”

Blanche is Trump’s former personal lawyer. He became acting attorney general after Trump fired Pam Bondi in April.

He moved to advance the president’s interests, according to The Associated Press. He pushed investigations into Trump’s perceived foes.

He also announced a settlement that created the $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people who feel mistreated by the criminal justice system and give Trump and family members immunity from tax audits.

During the confirmation process, Britt posed several questions in hearings and defended Blanche’s record.

In one exchange, she asked Blanche if he will crack down on mail-order medications that can induce an abortion. President Joe Biden’s administration removed a requirement that mifepristone be dispensed in person.

“Absolutely,” Blanche said in response. “I very much commit our resources to stopping this.”

In the same hearing, Britt also praised Blanche’s work handling the Epstein files.

“I appreciate your commitment to all of the victims, the Epstein victims,” she said. “Your commitment to hear from them and fight for them.”