Todd Blanche, the attorney who represented President Donald Trump during his criminal trial in New York City, has been confirmed as the 88th Attorney General of the United States, according to reports.

The Senate confirmed Blanche early Saturday morning in a narrow 50-to-49 vote, a margin tighter than any recent Attorney General confirmation. The vote followed a dramatic floor showdown in which Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced Friday morning that she would oppose the nomination, while Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) affirmed his support on the Senate floor. Both senators cited serious concerns about the nominee.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) also joined Murkowski and Democrats in voting against Blanche's confirmation, according to the New York Times.

Blanche previously served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, one of the Justice Department's most prominent field offices, before entering private practice and later joining Trump's defense team. He represented Trump during the hush-money criminal proceedings that resulted in a conviction in New York City—the first criminal conviction of a former U.S. president.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday morning, Blanche said:

"I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence President Trump has placed in me to lead the Department of Justice as our great nation's 88th Attorney General."

"To the dedicated public servants of the Department of Justice, thank you for your work each day to uphold the law and keep our country safe."

Murkowski announced her opposition Friday morning, citing multiple concerns, including Blanche's handling of the Justice Department's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his close personal ties to Trump. Her objections touched on long-standing institutional norms regarding the Justice Department's independence from White House influence on matters involving the president personally.

In a written statement, Murkowski outlined her specific objections:

"I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators."

"Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds. The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration."