Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has announced that she will vote against Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as U.S. Attorney General, dealing a fresh setback to President Donald Trump’s nominee and narrowing his path to Senate confirmation.
Murkowski, who joins Senator Susan Collins of Maine in opposing Blanche, said that her decision was driven by concerns over the Justice Department and the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which she argued raised questions about political influence within the department.
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”
Lisa Murkowski
She also warned of what she described as the increasing “politicization” and “even weaponization” of the Justice Department under the Trump administration. A key factor in her decision was the proposed “anti-weaponization” fund, which Blanche rescinded while his nomination was awaiting Senate consideration.
Murkowski argued that the move did not fully address her concerns because the fund could potentially be reinstated if Blanche is confirmed. She referred to the proposal as a “slush fund” and questioned whether it would truly remain off the table.
Murkowski also cited concerns over the Justice Department’s handling of the release of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying the episode had reinforced doubts about the department’s independence.
Murkowski’s opposition places additional pressure on Blanche’s nomination at a time when Senate Republicans have little room for defections. With Democrats expected to oppose the nomination, Blanche cannot afford to lose additional Republican votes if he hopes to secure confirmation.
The situation has become more complicated because Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky remains away from the Senate as he continues recovering from injuries sustained in a fall earlier this year. McConnell announced yesterday that he had been discharged from a rehabilitation centre and would continue physical therapy from home. McConnell said in a statement released by his office, “On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”
The former Senate leader, 84, was first admitted to hospital on June 14 and later disclosed that his hospitalisation followed a fall. He has not indicated when he expects to return to Capitol Hill.
With senators expected to begin their traditional August recess soon, the Senate is unlikely to hold votes for several weeks after adjourning.
Cassidy’s Vote In Focus
Attention has now shifted to Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, whose vote could prove decisive. Cassidy has at times been one of President Trump’s more prominent Republican critics, making his position on Blanche’s nomination one of the most closely watched within the Senate Republican conference.
If McConnell remains absent and Democrats vote as expected against the nomination, a third Republican defection would be enough to prevent Blanche from securing confirmation.
Blanche’s nomination has already faced heightened scrutiny in recent weeks because of controversy surrounding the proposed anti-weaponization fund. The fund, valued at approximately $1.8 billion, was originally intended to compensate individuals who claimed they had been unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department.
After facing opposition from Republican Senators, especially Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis, Blanche formally rescinded the fund, stating that it no longer existed. The move helped secure the backing of Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had previously threatened to oppose his confirmation unless the proposal was withdrawn.
Despite that concession, Murkowski said her concerns extend beyond the fund itself to broader questions about the Justice Department’s independence and the Attorney General’s ability to act as a check on executive power.
Her announcement marks the latest challenge for Blanche’s nomination and underscores continuing divisions within the Republican Party over the leadership and direction of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
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