Alaska Senator Murkowski Withdraws Support for Trump’s Attorney General Nominee, Narrowing Confirmation Path

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation prospects dimmed considerably after Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced her opposition to his nomination on Friday. The Republican senator’s decision eliminates any remaining margin for error in the confirmation process, as Senate GOP leaders cannot afford additional defections given that Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky remains absent from the chamber.

Murkowski said she could not support Blanche despite his recent lobbying visit to Alaska, citing concerns about the Justice Department’s politicization under the current administration. She specifically objected to the handling of the Epstein files release, immunity protections granted to the president and his family, and what she characterized as a pattern of targeting political opponents and sitting senators.

The Alaska senator highlighted a nearly $2 billion departmental fund as a critical sticking point, noting that the money would likely have benefited January 6 protesters had it been deployed. Though Blanche and the DOJ agreed in writing to permanently rescind the fund, Murkowski expressed skepticism that the provision would endure beyond the confirmation vote, citing President Donald Trump’s stated desire to revive it.

With Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine now publicly opposing Blanche, the outcome may hinge on Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, whose position remains undeclared. Should Cassidy also vote against the nominee and McConnell remain unavailable, the chamber would split 50-50, forcing Vice President JD Vance to cast the deciding vote.

Trump pre-emptively attacked Murkowski on Friday morning, claiming he had done more for Alaska than any previous president and declaring her “not good.” The Senate may vote on Blanche’s nomination as soon as Friday before lawmakers depart Washington for August recess.