Key facts
- Senator Lisa Murkowski will vote against the confirmation of Todd Blanche for attorney general.
- Murkowski stated she had constructive meetings with Blanche but will oppose his nomination.
- Blanche's confirmation is facing a narrow vote margin in the Senate.
- Senator Susan Collins has also announced her opposition to Blanche's confirmation.
- Senator John Curtis has declared his support for Blanche.
- Blanche agreed to disband a controversial "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and limit immunity for Trump and his family for future tax audits.
Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced on Friday that she will vote against the confirmation of Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Murkowski stated that while she had constructive meetings with Blanche, she ultimately opposes his nomination.
Blanche's confirmation is facing a tight vote in the Republican-controlled Senate, with bipartisan concerns over the "weaponization of justice" and the independence of the Justice Department. Senator Susan Collins of Maine has also announced her opposition, citing concerns about actions that have eroded the department's independence, including a controversial IRS settlement with President Trump and a promise to prohibit the mailing of abortion medication nationwide.
Senator John Curtis of Utah, however, announced his support for Blanche, noting the nominee's receptivity to issues such as ending the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and scaling back an IRS audit immunity agreement. Blanche agreed in writing to nullify the $1.8 billion fund and limit immunity for Trump and his family for future tax audits, which helped secure votes from Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana remains undecided, expressing concern that Blanche may still be effectively acting as Trump's personal attorney. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is actively working to gather the necessary votes for Blanche's confirmation.