President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, was sworn in Monday as attorney general after a bruising confirmation fight that exposed bipartisan concerns about the Justice Department’s direction under the Republican president.

Blanche was confirmed in a 50-49 vote, opposed by two Republicans who cited concerns about what they described as increased politicization of the Justice Department under Trump. The vote capped off a bruising confirmation fight, with Blanche’s loyalty to Trump at the center of the stalemate.

Blanche is officially taking over the agency he has led in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi was fired in April. His swearing-in follows a contentious Senate confirmation fight that highlighted bipartisan concerns over the direction of the Justice Department under the Republican president.

All Democrats opposed the nomination, and two Republicans joined them in voting against Blanche. The razor-thin 50-49 Senate vote triggered fierce criticism from Democrats who accused President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney of threatening the Justice Department’s independence.

Blanche’s confirmation cements the former personal attorney’s command of a Justice Department the Republican president has sought to bend to his will. Trump has stated a desire to use the law enforcement agency to investigate his political enemies.