The US Senate has narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General, ending a contentious confirmation battle over President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department.

Blanche was confirmed 50-49 on Saturday, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposing his nomination. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy cast the decisive vote.

Blanche had served as acting attorney general since April, after previously serving as the Justice Department’s second-ranking official. He is also a former personal lawyer to Trump.

The confirmation followed weeks of concerns from some Republican senators about Blanche’s independence and his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, as well as his involvement in a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund and a related tax-immunity agreement involving Trump and his family.

To secure support, Blanche agreed in writing to narrow the tax-immunity arrangement and end payments under the anti-weaponisation programme. However, questions remain over whether those commitments could prevent the programme from being revived in another form.

Murkowski said she lacked confidence that Blanche would be able to check what she described as the administration’s worst impulses. Cassidy, while critical of Blanche’s handling of Trump’s IRS lawsuit, said he ultimately trusted him to provide the president with candid legal advice.

Blanche will now formally lead a Justice Department that has undergone major changes during Trump’s second term, including the departure of career prosecutors and a greater emphasis on the administration’s priorities. Blanche has defended his record, saying his leadership has helped reduce crime and reverse what he considers excesses of the previous administration, according to Reuters.