GOP Senator Opposes Todd Blanche for Attorney General, Putting Nomination in Jeopardy

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said Aug. 7 she will not support Todd Blanche for attorney general, putting Blanche’s nomination in jeopardy.

Murkowski said in a post on X that she believes the country needs an attorney general “who will check the worst impulses of this administration” and that she’s not confident that person is Blanche.

Murkowski also said she is concerned that if Blanche is confirmed, the government will proceed with a fund of nearly $2 billion to award people who bring forth claims they were targeted unfairly by the government.

The fund “is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage,” she stated. “Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.”

Blanche said in an Aug. 2 statement that his order establishing the anti-weaponization fund “is rescinded and shall have no force or effect.”

The statement was part of an agreement with Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), resulting in the Senate Judiciary Committee sending his nomination to the full Senate.

“We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement,” Blanche also said at the time. “The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress.”

Republicans hold a 53–47 advantage in the upper chamber. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is recovering from a fall at home, with no indication of when he will return to Washington.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced earlier in the week that she would oppose Blanche, citing several actions he took, such as approving an order to shield President Donald Trump and his family members from tax audits.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has not said how he will vote on Blanche’s nomination.

If Cassidy and all Republicans other than Murkowski and Collins support Blanche, his nomination would be approved 50–49, even if all Democrats vote against him. If Cassidy or any other Republicans join Murkowski and Collins, and no Democrats cross the aisle, then Blanche’s nomination would fail.

Before the deal was reached with Tillis and Cornyn, Trump had said he could pull Blanche’s nomination and wait for the senators to be replaced in January 2027. Cornyn lost his bid for reelection, while Tillis chose not to run.

Cassidy also lost his effort for another term. Collins won the Republican primary for the seat she holds and is facing former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson. McConnell chose not to run for reelection.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) is vying with former Kentucky Rep. Charles Booker for the seat McConnell currently occupies. Murkowski’s term runs until early 2029.