Todd Blanche Confirmation Path Clears After Cassidy Backs Trump Attorney General Pick
Sen. Bill Cassidy said Friday he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, likely clearing the way for President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer to lead the Justice Department despite opposition from two Republican senators.
Cassidy’s announcement followed decisions by Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine to oppose Blanche. With Senate margins tight and Mitch McConnell absent, Cassidy’s support became the key vote keeping the nomination on track.
Cassidy said Blanche was not perfect, but argued the Senate was not choosing between Blanche and an ideal nominee. He framed the vote as a choice between Blanche and another acting attorney general who might be less effective under Trump.
Murkowski’s opposition focused on independence. She said the country needs an attorney general who can check the administration’s worst impulses, and said she did not have confidence Blanche would do so. Reporting also cited her concerns about DOJ politicization, the Epstein files, IRS audit immunity for Trump, and a nearly 2 billion dollar fund that was withdrawn while the nomination was pending.
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The fight drew outside pressure before Cassidy’s announcement. The Not Above the Law coalition urged him to vote no, arguing the attorney general should represent the public rather than the president. The New York City Bar Association also urged rejection, saying Blanche was unfit to lead an independent Justice Department.
Supporters argue confirmation would provide stable leadership at DOJ. The White House has also pointed to law enforcement support for Blanche.
The next step is the Senate vote. If confirmed, Blanche would take over DOJ with immediate questions over whether concessions made to skeptical Republicans remain in place after the confirmation pressure ends.
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