Overview:
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is opposing Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, citing concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and its politicization under President Donald Trump. Her opposition, along with Sen. Susan Collins’ (R-Maine) decision to vote against Blanche, leaves his confirmation with little room for additional Republican defections in the narrowly divided Senate.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced Friday that she will oppose President Donald Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as U.S. attorney general, dealing another blow to the embattled nominee.
Murkowski said she lacks confidence that Blanche would be willing to act independently of the Trump administration and expressed concern about what she described as the continued politicization and “weaponization” of the Justice Department.
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration,” Murkowski said in announcing her opposition. She added that she hoped Blanche could fulfill that role if confirmed but did not have confidence that he would do so.
Murkowski’s decision follows Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who also announced her opposition to Blanche. Their defections leave the nomination facing a narrow path to confirmation in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general, is Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department following Pam Bondi’s departure. His nomination advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 12-10 vote.
Among Murkowski’s concerns is the administration’s handling of several controversial Justice Department matters, including the proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump allies involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Blanche subsequently rescinded the proposed fund, a move that helped win support from some Republican senators, but Murkowski remains skeptical.
Murkowski also raised concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of sensitive cases, including the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and an agreement involving tax audits of Trump and his business interests.
With Collins and Murkowski opposed, Blanche can afford to lose only one additional Republican vote if Democrats remain united against his confirmation. The absence of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is not attending Senate sessions, further complicates the confirmation math. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has not yet committed to supporting Blanche.
Murkowski’s opposition is significant because she has occasionally broken with the Trump administration and Republican leadership on high-profile issues. Her decision underscores growing concerns among some Republicans about the independence of the Justice Department and the extent to which the attorney general should serve as a check on presidential power.
The Senate is expected to consider Blanche’s confirmation before lawmakers leave Washington for the August recess.
