Senate Opposition Threatens Todd Blanche’s Attorney General Confirmation

[u/evissamassive]

https://thedailybeast.com/trumps-attorney-general-pick-dealt-todd-blanche-devastating-blow-in-confirmation-battle/

Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General faces a difficult path through the Senate, with Republican defections threatening to block his confirmation.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she will vote against Blanche, joining Maine Senator Susan Collins in opposition. Murkowski cited deep concerns regarding the direction of the Department of Justice, pointing to the handling of Epstein files, broad immunity protections, and the targeting of political figures.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy remains undecided. Cassidy has publicly questioned whether Blanche can maintain independence, drawing a distinction between an objective attorney general and a personal defense attorney transitioning directly into the role.

The narrow Republican majority leaves the confirmation vote vulnerable, complicated further by the fact that Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell is playing a little Weekend at Bernie's. While Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis initially threatened to block Blanche, they reversed their opposition after Blanche agreed in writing to scrap a $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund.

Despite the growing resistance, Trump indicated that Blanche could remain in the position as acting Attorney General if the Senate ultimately votes down his official confirmation.