WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as the nation's attorney general, marking a major change in leadership at the Department of Justice.

The Senate approved Blanche's confirmation in a 90-6 vote, according to CBS News, clearing the way for him to formally lead the Justice Department.

Blanche previously served in senior Justice Department roles and became acting attorney general earlier this year. His confirmation now gives the department a permanent attorney general as federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies continue handling major cases across the country.

The overnight vote attracted attention because of Blanche's previous work as a defense lawyer for President Donald Trump before joining the federal government.

As attorney general, Blanche will oversee the Department of Justice, FBI and federal prosecutors, placing him at the center of some of the most consequential legal and law-enforcement decisions in Washington.

His tenure is expected to involve major issues including federal criminal enforcement, immigration policy, civil rights litigation, national security and the administration of federal law.

The confirmation also comes during a period of heightened political scrutiny of the Justice Department. Blanche's supporters argue that his experience in high-profile federal legal matters makes him qualified to lead the agency, while critics have raised concerns about his previous relationship with the president.

The Senate vote represents a significant development for the Trump administration and the federal justice system. With Blanche now confirmed, attention will turn to how he uses the authority of the attorney general's office and how the Justice Department handles its most closely watched cases.

The confirmation makes Blanche one of the most influential figures in U.S. law enforcement, with decisions made by his department likely to have national political and legal consequences.