Key facts
- Senator John Fetterman will vote against confirming Todd Blanche as Attorney General.
- Fetterman cited criticisms of Blanche's past actions, including efforts related to an 'anti-weaponization' fund.
- Todd Blanche is President Trump's potential nominee for Attorney General and has served as acting Attorney General.
- Blanche previously worked as Trump's criminal defense attorney.
- The nomination requires Senate confirmation.
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) announced on Thursday that he would vote against the confirmation of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Fetterman's statement adds to the growing list of lawmakers who have expressed criticism regarding President Trump's potential nomination for Attorney General. Fetterman stated, "I would not vote for him," indicating his firm opposition. The Pennsylvania senator pointed to Blanche's past efforts, particularly concerning the proposed 'anti-weaponization' fund, as a basis for his decision. The nomination of Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney and has been acting Attorney General since April, requires Senate confirmation. The Senate is narrowly controlled by Republicans with a 53-47 margin, and uncertainty about Blanche's confirmation prospects has been previously expressed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Separately, former Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche handled the release of the DOJ's Epstein files. President Trump has stated he will nominate Blanche to be permanent AG.