Republican Lisa Murkowski opposes Todd Blanche nomination for US attorney general
Murkowski cited concerns over the “politicisation” of the Justice Department, putting Blanche's confirmation in jeopardy.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, has declared her opposition to Todd Blanche's nomination as the next US Attorney General, expressing reservations about the "politicization" of the Justice Department.
President Donald Trump aims to permanently appoint Blanche, his former personal defense attorney and the current acting attorney general, to lead the Justice Department. However, this move has encountered resistance from a few Republicans.
With the Alaska senator's vote now withheld, Blanche's confirmation is facing increased uncertainty.
Murkowski pointed to several controversies that have unfolded under Blanche's interim leadership. These include the administration's management of the Epstein files and the contentious "anti-weaponization fund," which was established as part of a settlement between Trump and the government.
"The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration," Murkowski stated in writing. "I hope Mr Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case."
Blanche had previously committed to senators that he would reverse the nearly $2 billion fund, following criticism from Republican senators.