RismadarVoice Reporters, August 7, 2026
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has announced her opposition to President Donald Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, placing the confirmation of the acting Justice Department chief in serious jeopardy.
Murkowski’s decision follows a similar position by fellow Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine.
With Democrats expected to oppose Blanche and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell absent indefinitely, another Republican defection could be enough to defeat the nomination.
In a statement on Friday, Murkowski said she had held several constructive discussions with Blanche but remained unconvinced that he would provide the independent leadership she believes the Justice Department requires.
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration,” Murkowski said, adding that she lacked confidence that Blanche would fulfil that role if confirmed.
The Alaska senator also expressed concern about what she described as the growing politicisation and potential weaponisation of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
Among the issues she cited was the department’s handling of the release of documents connected to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Murkowski also questioned the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion fund aimed at addressing alleged political weaponisation of government agencies, describing the proposal as a potential “slush fund” and seeking assurances that it would not be revived.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana remains undecided on Blanche’s nomination. Asked about his position, Cassidy declined to comment.
Trump has previously criticised Murkowski, who has often taken positions independent of the Republican leadership. In an interview released Friday, the President attacked the senator and claimed his administration had delivered significant benefits to Alaska.
Blanche’s nomination has already encountered resistance from several Republican senators.
Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had previously withheld their support over concerns surrounding Justice Department policies, including the proposed anti-weaponisation fund.
Both lawmakers had sought written assurances that the fund would be cancelled and clarification of provisions relating to protections from tax audits before expressing greater support for the nomination.
Tillis had also pressed Blanche to meet privately with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse following controversy over the Justice Department’s handling of the case.
Blanche eventually met with a group of survivors after his confirmation hearing. However, one survivor, Dani Bensky, described the meeting as lacking substance, a characterisation that Blanche disputed.
Democrats have also criticised the Justice Department over its handling of information contained in Epstein-related files, particularly the disclosure of personal details involving survivors.
The developing opposition within the Republican caucus leaves Blanche’s nomination facing an increasingly uncertain path in the Senate. If another Republican senator joins Murkowski and Collins in voting against him, Democrats could have enough votes to block his confirmation.
