Prospects of Confirmation for 'Trump Loyalist' US Attorney General Candidate Diminish as Additional Ruling Party Member Opposes

The prospects of confirmation in the U.S. Senate for Todd Blanche, a U.S. attorney general nominee who previously served as Donald Trump's personal lawyer, are increasingly dimming.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (Republican-Alaska) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that day, stating that while she had held several constructive meetings with nominee Blanche up to that point, "Ultimately, I will vote against his confirmation."

Senator Murkowski cited the accelerated politicization and weaponization of the Justice Department since the launch of the second Trump administration as reasons for her opposition.

Nominee Blanche has been serving as the Acting Attorney General after taking on the role of Deputy Attorney General in the second Trump administration.

Senator Murkowski added, "This country needs an attorney general who will serve as a check on the worst impulses of this administration," and noted, "While I hoped nominee Blanche would be able to fulfill that role if confirmed, I have no confidence that he would do so."

Senator Murkowski was one of two Republican senators who had previously not disclosed their stances for or against nominee Blanche.

The remaining one is Senator Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), who voted in favor of President Trump's impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021. Branded as a "traitor" by President Trump, he was defeated in the Louisiana Republican primary last May.

With all 47 Democratic senators, along with Susan Collins (Maine) and Murkowski from the Republican party opposing the nomination, if Senator Cassidy also votes against him, nominee Blanche's confirmation vote would fail with 49 votes in favor and 50 votes against.

Republicans hold a total of 53 seats in the Senate, but Senator Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) remains unable to attend due to health issues.

Senator McConnell was discharged the previous day after being hospitalized for nearly two months, but announced he would continue treatment from home for the time being.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.