Murkowski opposes Blanche as AG and cites accelerating 'weaponisation' of DoJ

What the report says

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as US attorney general on a permanent basis, raising fresh doubts about whether President Donald Trump’s pick can win confirmation. According to the Nile Post report, Murkowski argued that the Justice Department’s politicisation — and what she called its growing weaponisation — has intensified under the current administration.

Blanche, who is currently acting attorney general and previously served as Trump’s personal defence attorney, has already faced resistance from a small group of Republicans. The article says Murkowski pointed to several controversies during his interim leadership, including disputes over the handling of the Epstein files and an “anti-weaponisation fund” tied to a settlement with the government. She said the country needs an attorney general willing to restrain the administration’s worst instincts.

The report adds that Blanche’s chances now appear uncertain in the closely divided Senate. Republican Senator Susan Collins has also said she will not back him, while Senator Bill Cassidy has not yet declared a position. Trump said earlier he believed Blanche would survive the vote, and suggested he would keep him in the post even if confirmation fails.

Nile Post also notes that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Blanche as qualified and said he should be confirmed. If confirmed, Blanche would take over the Justice Department permanently; if not, the administration may still try to keep him in an acting role.