Washington (AP) — The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general by a 50-49 vote early Saturday, completing President Donald Trump's selection of the former personal attorney to lead the Justice Department. Blanche had served as acting attorney general since Trump fired Pam Bondi in April. His confirmation followed a contentious nomination process that highlighted concerns about his loyalty to Trump and a settlement that included a $1.8 billion fund and tax audit protections for Trump and his family. The vote was opposed by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and by all Democratic senators. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, whose primary was defeated by a Trump-backed challenger, cast the decisive vote, saying Blanche's legal experience made him well suited to navigate the president's agenda. Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committee's top Democrat, called the confirmation a serious mistake and warned that it could place the department on the wrong side of history. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Judiciary Committee chairman, praised Blanche as the right choice. Blanche had previously pledged in writing to abandon the $1.8 billion compensation fund and the tax audit immunity provision after pressure from Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. He also oversaw the release of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as deputy attorney general under Bondi. The Justice Department under Blanche has experienced significant personnel turnover, with thousands of employees leaving through firings, resignations or voluntary departures. The confirmation leaves uncertainty about how Blanche will balance Trump's policy goals with the department's traditional independence.