Lisa Murkowski says she’ll vote against Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, imperiling his chances
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Lisa Murkowski says she ll vote Against Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination
Washington — Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced Friday that she will cast her vote against Todd Blanche's nomination to serve as attorney general, significantly complicating the confirmation process for President Trump's choice to lead the Department of Justice. The Alaska senator's opposition comes amid growing concerns about the administration's plans regarding a controversial settlement fund for January 6 rioters.
In a statement shared on social media, Murkowski explained that her primary concern centers on Blanche's handling of the proposed compensation program. Despite the Trump administration's intention to move forward with the fund, Blanche has already issued a formal order terminating it. This discrepancy has raised questions about whether the acting attorney general can be trusted to honor the administration's commitments once confirmed.
Senate Confirmation Challenges
Murkowski emphasized that the Senate currently holds significant leverage over the fund precisely because Blanche's nomination remains pending. Once confirmed, that leverage would essentially disappear, she warned. The senator noted that Blanche secured passage through the Senate Judiciary Committee with a narrow 12-10 vote, largely due to promises made to Republican holdouts who threatened to block his confirmation.
With Republicans maintaining a 53-47 majority in the Senate, the math is tight. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is currently absent from Senate sessions while recovering from hospitalization, meaning Blanche can only afford to lose two Republican votes if all Democrats oppose him. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine has already declared her opposition, further tightening the path to confirmation.
However, another key Republican, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, announced Friday morning that he would support Blanche's nomination. This endorsement likely provides the acting attorney general with just enough votes to secure Senate approval. The Judiciary Committee vote followed a crucial deal reached late Sunday between Blanche and Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had been threatening to block his confirmation over the settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the president's leaked tax returns.
What's at Stake for Blanche's Nomination
Cornyn and Tillis ultimately backed Blanche's nomination after the Justice Department provided written confirmation that it would not proceed with the $1.8 billion fund designed to compensate Trump allies who believe they were unfairly investigated or prosecuted by the Justice Department. Following days of intense negotiations, Blanche issued an order Sunday evening stating "beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund."
Despite this assurance, Democrats argue that Blanche's order does not go far enough to prevent the Trump administration from reviving the fund after the acting attorney general's confirmation. They have called for legislation to permanently bar the administration from reinstating the compensation program. Even if Blanche fails to win Senate confirmation, he can remain as acting attorney general indefinitely, allowing the administration to continue its policies without congressional approval.
President Trump expressed his frustration with Murkowski's decision in an interview with Punchbowl, stating he is "against Murkowski. I do more for Alaska than any president in history. No president's done for Alaska what I've done. She's not good." The president went on to note that his "beautiful MAGA base" would "not be happy" if he backed someone who voted to impeach him—like Murkowski.
"The Senate has leverage over the fund only because Blanche's nomination is pending. That leverage would be gone if he is confirmed," Murkowski said in her statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Todd Blanche?
Todd Blanche is a New York attorney who has served as one of President Trump's personal lawyers. He was nominated by Trump to serve as acting attorney general and is seeking permanent confirmation for the position.
What is the January 6 rioters fund?
The fund is a proposed $1.8 billion settlement designed to compensate individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and believe they were unfairly targeted by federal prosecutors.
Why is Murkowski's vote significant?
With Senator McConnell absent and Senator Collins already opposing Blanche, Murkowski's vote could be the deciding factor in whether Blanche receives Senate confirmation.
Can Blanche remain acting attorney general without confirmation?
Yes, Blanche can continue serving as acting attorney general indefinitely even if the Senate rejects his nomination, allowing the administration to maintain its current policies.