# Murkowski opposes Trump AG pick Blanche, Senate moves ahead

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/murkowskis-stance-on-trump-backed-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-06T23:59:28.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 2.

In July 2026 Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski rejected President Donald Trump’s SAVE Act, citing impractical ID requirements for remote Alaskan communities. By early August she faced pressure over Trump’s attorney‑general nominee, Todd Blanche, and initially stayed non‑committal.

On 6 August 2026 Murkowski announced she would oppose Blanche, joining fellow Republican Susan Collins. Their objections centered on doubts about Blanche’s independence, the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, a proposed $1.8 billion anti‑weaponization fund, and a sweeping tax‑audit immunity deal for the president.

Later that day the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche by a 12‑10 party‑line vote. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana declared his support, a vote that could secure confirmation despite the narrow GOP margin. After a deal with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, Blanche rescinded the anti‑weaponization fund in writing. With Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ill, the nomination can survive at most two Republican defections, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Murkowski’s opposition remains a pivotal factor in the confirmation battle.

## Claims

- Blanche rescinded the anti‑weaponization fund, writing that “there is no Fund.” (disputed by 15 sources)
- Murkowski expressed concern about a $1.8 billion anti‑weaponization fund and a sweeping tax‑audit immunity deal for Trump. (disputed by 15 sources)
- Todd Blanche is President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is absent from Senate sessions due to illness. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy announced he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Lisa Murkowski announced she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Murkowski cited concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche’s nomination by a 12‑10 vote. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- After rescinding the anti‑weaponization fund, Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis backed Blanche’s nomination. (corroborated by 11 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination Gains Support as Murkowski Opposes

Todd Blanche, Trump’s AG nominee, gains decisive support from Sen. Bill Cassidy after Murkowski and Collins oppose, citing DOJ politicization, an anti‑weaponization fund and Epstein file concerns.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-lisa-murkowski-faces-pressure-on-trump-attorney-general-nominee

### 2026-07-18: Senator Lisa Murkowski Opposes Trump's SAVE Act, Citing Alaska Logistics

Senator Lisa Murkowski opposes the Trump‑backed SAVE Act, arguing Alaska’s geography and mail‑in voting make its ID and citizenship proof requirements impractical, prompting GOP backlash.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-lisa-murkowski-blocks-trumps-save-america-act

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Cite as: Murkowski opposes Trump AG pick Blanche, Senate moves ahead. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/murkowskis-stance-on-trump-backed-initiatives