Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Friday that she will oppose Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general, dealing a significant blow to President Donald Trump’s nominee and leaving his fate in the hands of a handful of undecided Republican senators.
The Alaska Republican said in a statement that she does not believe Blanche, who has been serving as acting attorney general since April, would act to rein in Trump and reverse what she called the “politicization—even weaponization” of the Justice Department that has “accelerated” under the administration.
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration,” Murkowski said. “I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”
Murkowski cited several specific concerns with Blanche’s record, including his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and a controversial settlement between the Justice Department and Trump that resolved a $10 billion privacy lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The deal included a provision to shield Trump and his family from current and future IRS tax audits.
She also raised concerns about the DOJ’s “repeated targeting” of Trump’s political enemies and Blanche’s previous role as Trump’s personal attorney, questioning whether he could exercise independent judgment as the nation’s top law enforcement official.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche’s nomination on August 4 by a 12-10 party-line vote, setting up a full Senate floor vote scheduled for Saturday, August 8. With a 53-47 Republican majority and Senator Mitch McConnell absent for health reasons, Blanche can afford to lose only two Republican votes to survive.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has already announced she will vote no. That leaves the nomination’s fate potentially resting on Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who met with Blanche alongside Murkowski on Wednesday but has not yet committed to a position. Cassidy has been increasingly critical of the president since losing his renomination campaign to a Trump-backed Republican earlier this year.
Blanche courted Murkowski heavily in recent months, visiting Alaska for two days in July to learn about public safety and tribal jurisdiction issues—two matters important to the state’s senior senator. He also announced a nine-figure federal settlement benefiting Alaska Native health care. Despite these efforts, Murkowski remained unmoved on the fundamental question of his suitability for the role.
A confirmation blocked by Republican senators over concerns about settlements and ethics has become a defining feature of Blanche’s nomination process. Earlier negotiations saw Republicans Thom Tillis and John Cornyn withhold support until Blanche agreed in writing to rescind a controversial $1.8 billion payout fund to Trump.
Sources
- Politico — Murkowski’s statement opposing Blanche and analysis of the nomination’s status as of August 7, 2026
- KTOO / Alaska Public Media — Murkowski’s written concerns to constituents and reporting on her deflection of reporters’ questions on August 5-6
- NBC News — Senate Judiciary Committee’s 12-10 party-line vote advancing Blanche on August 4
- ABC News — Susan Collins’ announcement of her opposition and confirmation vote timing for August 8
- Reuters — Blanche’s agreement to rescind the payout fund and committee advancement
