Senator Lisa Murkowski Opposes Todd Blanche for Attorney General

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski announced Friday that she will oppose the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to lead the Department of Justice. The decision follows a 12-10 vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to advance Blanche's nomination. With Murkowski's opposition, the confirmation now depends on the vote of Senator Bill Cassidy.

Murkowski cited the politicization and weaponization of the Department of Justice as primary drivers for her decision. She specifically criticized the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, the targeting of sitting U.S. Senators and former administration staff, and the sweeping immunity protections granted to President Donald Trump and his family. Additionally, she characterized the administration's $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund as a slush fund that could have rewarded January 6 protesters.

During his confirmation hearings, Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Donald Trump, faced questioning over his refusal to meet directly with Epstein survivors. Blanche stated that prohibitions required him to work through the survivors' legal counsel. Murkowski concluded that she lacks confidence in Blanche's ability to check the worst impulses of the administration.