Blanche's AG nomination hits another roadblock as Murkowski refuses to back Trump's pick

WASHINGTON, DC: After a long battle of concessions with GOP holdouts like John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who refused to back Todd Blanche until the anti-weaponization fund was officially dropped, Sen Lisa Murkowski announced that she will vote against Blanche’s nomination.

Apart from Cornyn, Sen Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced earlier this week that she will vote against the confirmation of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for a full term.

Lisa Murkowski questions Todd Blanche's independence from Trump

Sen Lisa Murkowski on Friday, August 7, announced that she will not vote for Blanche, as she doubts that he would be able to serve as an effective check on President Trump while leading the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Murkowski expressed gratitude to Blanche for visiting Alaska last month to learn about the law enforcement challenges faced by remote communities. She said she had “numerous constructive meetings with Blanche.”

"The politicization, even weaponization, of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it," Murkowski wrote in an X post.

"I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting US Senators," she added.

Besides, Murkowski also raised concern about Blanche’s capability to continue to oppose the administration over the now-scrapped $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund once he assumes the charge full time.

Lisa Murkowski cites DOJ fund and oversight concerns

“I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2 billion slush fund — which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters — is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage,” Murkowski wrote. “Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.”

Further explaining what drove her decision to vote against Blanche’s nomination, the Alaska senator explained that she thinks people would want a DOJ chief to “check the worst impulses of this administration” and doubted Blanche’s ability to do that.

“I hope Mr Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case,” the Alaska Republican added.

Susan Collins cites DOJ politicization in opposing Todd Blanche

Sen Susan Collins (R-Maine), who faces a tough reelection race in November, announced earlier this week that she would vote against Blanche.

Collins appreciated the acting attorney general as “a capable lawyer” but warned that the DOJ under his leadership has “become increasingly political.”