American lawyer and jurist, U.S. Attorney General since 2021
The Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche 50–49 as U.S. attorney general and he has been sworn in at the White House. Blanche has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since April, previously served as the president’s private lawyer, and has rescinded a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund amid bipartisan concern about politicising the department.
The Justice Department has reached a $400m settlement with TikTok and related entities over alleged violations of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. TikTok will pay $300m immediately and another $100m after a court vacates a 2019 consent decree tied to Musical.ly. The deal resolves a 2024 DOJ suit and includes stronger youth safeguards, the department says.
Sen. Mitch McConnell has returned to the Capitol after a three-month absence following a June fall and pneumonia. He describes his recovery as long and often frustrating, with lingering effects from childhood polio. He is vowing to be present for tough votes as the Senate reconvenes ahead of the midterms.
The House has found Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas in its inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein. The full House approved the contempt resolution by unanimous consent after the Oversight Committee voted 41–0 to recommend the action. The matter has been referred to the Justice Department for possible criminal review.