Murkowski will oppose Blanche nomination, putting it in danger of stalling

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Friday became the second Republican senator to announce she will vote against acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve in the role full-time, putting his confirmation on a knife’s edge as one more “no” vote could sink or delay it.

Murkowski said she had “numerous constructive meetings with Blanche” and expressed appreciation for the trip he took to Alaska last month to learn about the law-enforcement challenges faced by remote communities. Still, the Republican questioned whether he would serve as an effective check on President Trump while leading the Justice Department (DOJ).

“The politicization — even weaponization — of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it. I take issue with the handling of the release of the [Jeffrey] Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators,” Murkowski said.

The senator also raised concerns about whether Blanche would continue to oppose the establishment of a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund to compensate MAGA allies once he is confirmed.

“I am........

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