Murkowski’s latest move puts Blanche’s attorney general nomination in jeopardy
Murkowski says she lacks confidence Blache can check the worst impulses of this administration
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced on Friday that she opposes Trump’s nomination for US attorney general highlighting concerns toward the political bias of the Justice Department.
Trump wants to install his former personal defense attorney, Todd Blanche, who is currently acting as acting attorney general to run the Justice Department on a permanent basis, an effort that has faced challenges from Republicans.
On social platform X, Murkowski wrote, “The politicization, even weaponization of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it.”
“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration, Murkowski continued.”
Murkowski cited previous disputes that occurred during Blanche’s leadership including the governance of the Epstein files and a controversial anti-weaponization fund formed through an agreement between Trump and the government.
Earlier, Blanche had sworn he would walk back the nearly $2 billion fund after fallout from Republican senators during his confirmation hearings.
The fund was intended to offer compensation for alleged government persecution but critics including Murkowski feared it would go to individuals who were charged for involvement in the January 2021 attack on the Congress.
In addition, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy who lost his Louisiana primary this year following Trump’s support for his challenger has weighed whether he will support Blanche.
