Murkowski Opposes Blanche Nomination Amid Fund Controversy
Senator's Stance on Attorney General Pick Raises Questions About Trump-Era 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund and Senate Dynamics
Carla Rooney
Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her opposition to Todd Blanche's nomination for US attorney general.
Senator Murkowski declared, "The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case."
She claims the supposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” for Trump’s political allies is dead. Murkowski believes the Department’s nearly $2 billion slush fund—which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters—is only off the table due to the pending nomination and Senate leverage.
The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.
Lawmakers remain concerned the administration could revive the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' post-confirmation, with experts claiming Trump could easily reverse its termination. Todd Blanche previously issued a formal order terminating Trump's $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund.
All Democratic senators are on record as opposing Blanche; Senator John Fetterman will vote against his confirmation. Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, but Mitch McConnell is not currently attending Senate sessions due to health reasons.
Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict President Donald Trump for his actions on January 6, 2021, addressed the nomination. Cassidy stated, "I have to be sure that he is an Attorney General who used to be the President's personal attorney, as opposed to being the president's personal attorney, who happens to be attorney general. That's what I need to be convinced of."
The situation reportedly bears a striking similarity to Cassidy’s vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The announcement by Cassidy reportedly confirms the cynicism many people feel about politics.
This alleged arrangement would allow Murkowski to maintain her independent streak while Cassidy takes the hit. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis will not be in the Senate next year, and one senator will be absent for the vote, meaning 99 senators will participate.
Cornyn and Tillis are understood to be taking the fall to give Collins a hall pass so Blanche can still get confirmed.