Key facts
- Senator Susan Collins will vote against Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
- Blanche's confirmation is uncertain as he can only afford one more Republican defection.
- Blanche secured support from Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.
- Concerns persist regarding a "anti-weaponization" fund and a tax-immunity deal for President Trump.
- Senate Republicans aim to confirm Blanche before the upcoming recess.
Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general under President Donald Trump is facing significant hurdles in the U.S. Senate, with Republican Senator Susan Collins announcing her intention to vote against him. This defection leaves Blanche with little room for error, as he can only afford one more Republican vote against him, particularly with Senator Mitch McConnell out indefinitely.
Senators Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski, who had previously voiced concerns, declined to comment on their positions. Blanche had previously secured the support of Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis by providing written assurances that President Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund was defunct and that a related tax-immunity deal would only apply to past tax returns, stemming from a settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. However, questions persist regarding the potential for the fund to be revived and the justification for an administration to grant such a personally beneficial tax deal to the president.
Senate Republican Leader John Thune indicated a desire to confirm Blanche before the chamber's upcoming month-long recess, suggesting a vote could occur within days. He described the ongoing efforts to secure sufficient votes as a "work in progress."