Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Friday she will vote against Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. The decision significantly narrows the confirmation path for President Donald Trump’s nominee as the Senate faces an upcoming August recess and tight margins.
When the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination earlier this week in a 12-10 vote, Donald Trump’s former defense attorney still lacked the definitive floor support required for full confirmation (Blanche won over the Senate Judiciary Committee). With Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky absent (Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., out indefinitely), and every Democrat expected to vote in opposition, Blanche’s margin for error vanished.
Republican defectors could sink the appointment entirely. Maine Sen. Susan Collins has already announced she’ll vote against Blanche, citing an erosion of the Justice Department’s independence. On Friday morning, Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski joined her.
Murkowski Cites ‘Slush Fund’ and Epstein Files
In a social media statement, Murkowski detailed her reservations about the nominee and the broader trajectory of the Justice Department under the current administration (Murkowski in her statement said she’ll vote against the nomination). She pointed specifically to the handling of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund (Murkowski also warned of the politicization).
Photo: bostonglobe.com
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”
Murkowski Opposes Trump’s AG Nominee Todd Blanche
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska
Murkowski expressed skepticism regarding the payout fund, which was intended to compensate people who claim they were targeted by politically motivated prosecutions, including individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. Though Blanche formally rescinded the fund to win over hesitant lawmakers, Murkowski argued that Senate leverage over the program exists only while the nomination remains pending.
“Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, via Associated Press
The Deal with Cornyn and Tillis Over Tax Immunity
The nomination had already survived a major test late last week when Blanche struck a compromise with two other Republican holdouts, Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina (The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche’s nomination only after a deal reached last weekend). Cornyn and Tillis had threatened to block confirmation over a settlement tied to a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service concerning President Trump’s leaked tax records.
Photo: MS NOW
That settlement originally included sweeping audit immunity for the president and his family business. To secure votes, the Justice Department provided written clarification stating that the audit protections apply only to claims open at the time of the settlement and do not shield future filings. Blanche also issued a formal order declaring beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.
Despite these concessions, Democrats argue that legal loopholes remain (Democrats have raised concerns the anti-weaponization fund is not dead). They continue to push for permanent legislation to bar the compensation pool, and critics maintain that the administration could attempt to reinstate it later.
Before Friday’s announcement, Blanche spent weeks courting skeptical senators through intense closed-door meetings and legislative lobbying. His campaign included a two-day trip to Alaska earlier in the month, where he met with local and tribal leaders (Blanche took a two-day trip to Alaska earlier this month).
Photo: NBC News
Agreed to an $180 million settlement with Anchorage concerning unfinished work at the port of Alaska.
Awarded $6.1 million in grants aimed at combating crime in local communities, tribal governments, and nonprofits.
Despite the administration’s localized outreach in Alaska, Murkowski ultimately concluded that structural concerns regarding Department of Justice independence outweighed those commitments.
BREAKING: Murkowski to vote no on Todd Blanche nomination
Cassidy has consistently raised concerns regarding the weaponization of the Justice Department, including federal investigative probes involving former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson. When asked by reporters how he intends to vote, Cassidy offered No comment on Blanche.
President Trump has pulled no punches regarding the holdouts, telling reporters that his beautiful MAGA base would not be happy with lawmakers who have opposed him. Whether Cassidy joins the opposition or provides the vote needed to secure confirmation will determine if Blanche clears the Senate before lawmakers depart for the August recess.
