Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said she supports the confirmation of Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General this week.
Bird's endorsement comes as the Senate evaluates the nominee's qualifications to lead the Department of Justice. Her support highlights the alignment between key state legal officials and the administration's choice for the nation's top prosecutor.
Speaking on the CBS News streaming program “The Takeout,” Bird discussed Blanche’s record as a prosecutor [1]. She said his specific professional experience makes him qualified for the role and urged the Senate to confirm him [1].
The appearance coincided with the Senate confirmation hearing for Blanche, which was scheduled for July 15, 2026 [2]. The proceedings are central to determining who will oversee federal law enforcement and legal policy.
There have been conflicting reports regarding Blanche's current status. While some sources identify him as the nominee awaiting confirmation [3], other reports describe him as the acting Attorney General [4]. Additionally, some accounts suggest Blanche previously won Senate confirmation to serve as the second-highest official at the Justice Department earlier in the current administration [5].
Bird did not address these contradictions during her interview, focusing instead on her belief that Blanche possesses the necessary credentials to lead the department [1]. She said the Senate should move forward with his appointment to ensure stability in federal prosecution.
“Bird said his specific professional experience makes him qualified for the role”
The public backing from a state attorney general serves as a strategic signal of institutional support from the GOP-led legal apparatus. By emphasizing Blanche's prosecutorial record, Bird is attempting to frame the nomination as a matter of professional competence rather than political appointment, aiming to provide the Senate with a justification for a swift confirmation.
