Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said early Friday she would oppose Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, a decision that jeopardizes President Donald Trump's effort to install his pick to lead the Justice Department. Murkowski, who has repeatedly broken with Trump and fellow Republicans on major votes, praised Blanche personally and acknowledged steps he has taken as acting attorney general that she said benefited Alaska and the country. "I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable," Murkowski wrote in a post on X. "Ultimately, however, I will oppose his nomination." Murkowski joins fellow moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine in opposing Blanche, leaving GOP leaders with virtually no margin for additional defections in the 53-47 Senate. The situation is further complicated by the absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., because of illness. The Wall Street Journal reported Blanche's confirmation could now hinge on Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who has not announced how he will vote. Senate GOP leaders hope to hold a confirmation vote before lawmakers leave Washington for the August recess. Murkowski said her opposition was driven by concerns about what she called the continued "politicization — even weaponization" of the DOJ, Blanche's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and other actions by the department. She also objected to a proposed roughly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" compensation fund that critics said could have benefited Jan. 6 defendants and protesters. Blanche recently cleared a crucial Senate Judiciary Committee hurdle after Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina received assurances that the compensation proposal would be abandoned. The committee advanced Blanche's nomination, 12-10, after he pledged not to pursue the payout plan. Murkowski argued those concessions did not go far enough. She said the fund was off the table only because Blanche's pending nomination gives Republican senators leverage over the DOJ, warning that "once we vote, that will end." Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney, already serves as acting attorney general and is the Senate-confirmed deputy attorney general. A rejection could deliver Trump a significant political setback without immediately removing Blanche from a powerful position at the Justice Department. Murkowski has frequently frustrated conservatives by siding against Trump on high-profile issues. She voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial and has supported federal protections for abortion and same-sex marriage. "The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration," Murkowski said, adding that she lacked confidence Blanche would do so.
Charlie McCarthy ✉Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved. |
No comments:
Post a Comment