Lisa Murkowski Vows To Tank Todd Blanche Nomination Alongside Susan Collins

Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski became the second GOP senator to oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general Friday, citing what she called the politicization of the Department of Justice.

Murkowski joined Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins in opposing Blanche, leaving the GOP with no room for additional defections while Republican Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell remains absent following his lengthy hospitalization. (RELATED: Todd Blanche Reaches Deal With GOP Holdouts, Paves Way For Confirmation Vote)

“The politicization — even weaponization — of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it,” Murkowski said in a statement Friday. “I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators.”

“I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund — which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters — is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage,” Murkowski added. “Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.”

I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable. I appreciate the trip he made to learn more about Alaska, including our rural areas, and as Acting Attorney General he has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our…

Collins and Murkowski have repeatedly broken with President Donald Trump on high-profile nominees. Both voted against the confirmations of FBI Director Kash Patel and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. They also joined Democrats in 2021 to confirm former President Joe Biden’s attorney general nominee, Merrick Garland.

Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, who lost his primary to a Trump-endorsed challenger, has also raised concerns about the administration’s proposed Anti-Weaponization Fund. Blanche met with Cassidy and Murkowski earlier this week, and Cassidy has since announced he will vote to confirm the nominee.