- Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she would not vote for Blanche, leaving his path to confirmation down to a single Republican vote.
- Senator Susan Collins opposed Blanche over concerns about the independence of the Department of Justice, and with Murkowski's opposition, Cassidy was the last undecided vote.
- Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced he is prepared to back Blanche, clearing the last hurdle in the confirmation process.
- With Cassidy's support, Blanche is expected to be confirmed by a narrow margin, likely along party lines, before the Senate's August recess.
- President Trump said he would reach out to lawmakers opposing Blanche, calling opposition a disservice to the country.
- Murkowski stated on X that she would oppose Blanche's nomination, expressing lack of confidence that he would check the administration's worst impulses.
- Cassidy explained his vote in a floor speech, saying the choice is between Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively.
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy has officially backed Todd Blanche for attorney general, likely ensuring his confirmation despite opposition from Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Cassidy stated, “Mr Blanche is not perfect... but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche; it is between Mr Blanche and another acting attorney general.”123456789
With Cassidy's support, Blanche's confirmation is expected to pass along party lines as the Senate prepares for a five-week recess. Murkowski expressed her concerns, stating, “The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration.” She ultimately decided to oppose Blanche, citing a lack of confidence in his ability to fulfill that role.
Cassidy acknowledged Blanche's imperfections, mentioning issues like a proposed US$1.8-billion fund for Trump allies and investigations into political opponents. However, he argued that no other nominee could effectively manage the Justice Department under President Trump, emphasizing that this decision is not a referendum on Trump but rather on Blanche's qualifications.
Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April, following the dismissal of Pam Bondi. His confirmation process has faced scrutiny due to a settlement involving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, raising concerns among both Republicans and Democrats.
“Murkowski said on X she lacks confidence Blanche will check the administration's worst impulses, while Collins cited DOJ independence concerns. Trump vowed to reach out to opponents, calling opposition 'a great disservice to the country.'”
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