Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposes Todd Blanche's AG nomination FAST-MOVING
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced she will oppose President Donald Trump’s nominee Todd Blanche for U.S. attorney general, joining fellow Republican Susan Collins of Maine. Murkowski cited the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, a sweeping tax‑audit immunity deal for Trump, and a proposed $1.8 billion “anti‑weaponization” fund intended to compensate Trump allies as reasons for her opposition. Blanche rescinded the fund after pressure from Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who then backed his nomination. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche’s nomination by a 12‑10 party‑line vote. With Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell absent due to illness, Blanche can afford at most two Republican defections; Murkowski’s vote makes his confirmation uncertain. Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy later announced his support, which could secure the narrow margin needed for confirmation.
Entities: Bill Cassidy · Chuck Grassley · Donald Trump · John Cornyn · Lisa Murkowski · Susan Collins · Todd Blanche
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 11 SOURCES] After rescinding the anti‑weaponization fund, Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis backed Blanche’s nomination. (Cornyn and Tillis support)
- [● 11 SOURCES] Murkowski raised concerns about a proposed $1.8 billion anti‑weaponization fund. (Fund concern)
- [● 11 SOURCES] Murkowski cited concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. (Epstein files concern)
- [● 12 SOURCES] Lisa Murkowski announced she will oppose Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general. (Murkowski opposition)
- [● 12 SOURCES] Senator Susan Collins also opposes Todd Blanche’s nomination. (Collins opposition)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Murkowski expressed concern about a sweeping tax‑audit immunity deal for President Trump. (Murkowski said the tax‑audit immunity deal was a concern.)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Todd Blanche is President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. (Blanche is Trump's pick for the Justice Department.)
- [● 11 SOURCES] The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche’s nomination by a 12‑10 vote. (Committee vote)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Senator Bill Cassidy announced support for Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination. (Cassidy support)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is absent from Senate sessions due to illness. (McConnell absent)