Sen. Murkowski joins opposition to Trump’s attorney general nominee Todd Blanche

Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said Friday she will oppose President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, joining Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins in voting against the appointment. With Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell absent and Democrats expected to reject the nominee, a third Republican dissent could prevent Blanche from securing the post.

Murkowski, who said she has had “numerous constructive meetings” with Blanche, stated, "I will oppose his nomination," adding that the country needs an attorney general who can check the administration’s worst impulses. She expressed doubt that Blanche would fulfill that role and warned of increasing politicization and “weaponization” of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.

The senator also referenced the department’s handling of the release of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and questioned whether the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion fund, described by her as a “slush fund,” would remain off the table.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who has not yet decided how to vote, declined to comment on Blanche’s nomination. Earlier, Trump criticized Murkowski in an interview, saying he was “against Murkowski” and claiming he had done more for Alaska than any previous president.

Blanche, who is currently serving as acting attorney general, has faced opposition from other Republicans, including Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, over concerns about his leadership and the proposed fund intended to compensate victims of politically motivated prosecutions. Tillis also sought a meeting between Blanche and Epstein survivors, which was later held privately but described by a survivor as unproductive.

The nomination remains uncertain as the Senate prepares for further votes.