Murkowski opposition narrows Blanche path to AG confirmation

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced Friday she will vote against Todd Blanche for attorney general, adding fresh uncertainty to President Donald Trump's effort to install his former personal lawyer in the role. The Alaska lawmaker cited worries over the Justice Department's direction under the administration, including its handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and a proposed compensation fund tied to past legal disputes. Her stance follows similar opposition from Maine Senator Susan Collins and leaves the nomination vulnerable given the Senate's current makeup.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April and advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this week after striking agreements with holdout Republicans John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Those senators had raised questions about a settlement involving Trump's IRS lawsuit and a related fund that critics labeled a slush fund for January 6 defendants. Blanche provided written assurances that the roughly 1.8 billion dollar initiative was terminated and that any tax immunity applied only to prior returns. Murkowski acknowledged meetings with Blanche but concluded she lacked confidence he would restrain the administration's impulses.

The confirmation math is tight. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, but Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell remains absent due to health issues. That means Blanche can lose at most two Republican votes if Democrats unite against him. Collins already declared her opposition this week over parallel concerns about politicization. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has stayed noncommittal despite meeting with Blanche, while most other Republicans appear prepared to back the nominee. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has signaled intent to hold a vote before the August recess, though the latest defection may force delays.

Murkowski's record shows repeated breaks with the president on high-profile matters, a pattern that has drawn criticism from voters in her state who backed Trump strongly in recent elections. Her focus on alleged weaponization at the Justice Department stands in contrast to years of documented actions under prior administrations that targeted conservative figures and organizations. Blanche's defenders note he has already moved to unwind certain Biden-era initiatives and address long-standing grievances over selective enforcement.

The nomination fight underscores tensions within the Republican conference between those aligned with Trump's agenda and senators more comfortable with institutional norms. Cornyn and Tillis, neither of whom faces reelection, dropped their blocks after receiving formal commitments from the department. Murkowski's position leaves open whether Cassidy or others might provide the decisive margin or if leadership can secure additional support. The outcome will determine who leads the Justice Department at a time when enforcement priorities and internal reforms remain central to the administration's goals.