The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving President Donald Trump a close political and legal ally at the head of the Justice Department and renewing concerns about the agency’s independence from the White House.

Blanche, who previously represented Trump as a private lawyer in several criminal cases, was approved by the Republican-controlled Senate early Saturday by 50 votes to 49. Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing the nomination.

He had already been serving as acting attorney general since Trump dismissed Pam Bondi in April.

The confirmation places Blanche in charge of the Justice Department at a time when the administration faces criticism over its approach to federal law enforcement and investigations involving Trump’s political opponents.

Blanche said he was “deeply honored” by Trump’s confidence in him and thanked Senate members and Justice Department employees following the vote.

Trump has described Blanche as a “star” and has sought greater control over federal agencies that have traditionally maintained a degree of independence from the presidency.

Democrats strongly opposed Blanche’s nomination, arguing that his previous role as Trump’s personal attorney created a conflict with the responsibilities of attorney general.

Senator Dick Durbin, the leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said during the confirmation process that the attorney general should represent the public rather than serve the interests of the president.

The nomination also faced resistance from some Republicans over proposals associated with Blanche and the Trump administration.

One disputed measure involved a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate people whom Trump described as victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Critics argued that the proposal could benefit individuals prosecuted over the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Another controversy involved a proposal concerning tax audits of Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization.

Blanche sought to ease Republican concerns by issuing a written order scrapping the proposed political “anti-weaponization fund.” He also said the tax audit arrangement would apply only to previous tax years and not future filings.

Since becoming acting attorney general, Blanche has faced criticism over the administration’s efforts to investigate individuals and institutions viewed as political opponents.

He has also faced scrutiny over the Justice Department’s handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including concerns raised by some victims about the release of investigative material.

Before joining the Justice Department, Blanche represented Trump in his New York criminal case involving payments to adult-film performer Stormy Daniels. He also served on Trump’s legal teams in federal cases concerning classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Both federal cases were dropped after Trump returned to the White House following the 2024 election.

Blanche’s confirmation now gives Trump a confirmed attorney general closely familiar with his legal and political priorities, intensifying debate over the future independence of the Justice Department.

The United States government will pay German energy company RWE $1.22 billion (€1.06 billion) to relinquish several offshore wind leases, marking another major setback for the country’s renewable energy sector under President Donald Trump.

RWE said on Thursday that it had reached an agreement with the US Department of the Interior to give up leases linked to proposed wind projects off the coasts of New York, California and Louisiana.

The company said it had determined that there was no realistic path to obtaining permits for the projects in the foreseeable future.

The settlement comes as the Trump administration continues its efforts to halt or restrict offshore wind development across the United States. Trump has repeatedly criticised wind turbines, describing them as unattractive and an economic and environmental problem.

The president has also said he does not want new wind turbines built during his time in office.

The administration has increasingly favoured conventional energy sources as it seeks to expand domestic power production and meet rising electricity demand.

RWE said it would redirect some of its planned US investment towards gas projects. The company plans to spend $900 million acquiring a 16% stake in a liquefied natural gas project in Louisiana.

The German group said its US operations had broader plans to invest about €17 billion over the next six years. The investment programme is expected to increase its electricity generation capacity in the country from about 13 gigawatts across 27 states to 22 gigawatts by 2031.

The agreement follows a similar deal involving French energy company TotalEnergies. In March, the company agreed to relinquish offshore wind leases in the Carolina Long Bay and New York Bight areas.

The Interior Department said it would pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion under that arrangement, while the company planned to redirect investment towards natural gas projects.

US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum welcomed the RWE settlement, saying the agreement would support energy security and reliable electricity supplies.

The changes come as US electricity demand is expected to rise, driven partly by data centres, manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries. The Trump administration has argued that natural gas and other conventional energy sources can provide dependable power as the country expands its electricity infrastructure.

RWE’s decision highlights the growing uncertainty facing offshore wind developers in the US, where projects have encountered regulatory, political and economic obstacles.

For the company, shifting part of its investment towards gas represents a significant change in strategy as it responds to the changing US energy policy environment.