Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced Friday he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, a move that likely secures the nominee’s approval. In a Senate floor statement, Cassidy acknowledged reservations he weighed but said he ultimately decided to support Blanche.
Cassidy said he was troubled by what he called episodes of apparent “lawfare,” yet noted critics concede Blanche understands the law and has been a hands-on manager at the Justice Department.
The White House praised Cassidy’s decision. A White House spokesperson called the development “great news,” saying Blanche has performed well as acting attorney general and will continue to do so if confirmed.
Republicans hold a narrow margin to secure confirmation: they need 50 of their 53 senators to back Blanche. Two GOP moderates, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have announced opposition. With Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell out indefinitely and Democrats expected to vote no, a third Republican ‘‘no’’ would have blocked the nomination.
Murkowski, despite several productive meetings with Blanche, said she would oppose the nomination. She argued the country needs an attorney general who will restrain the administration’s worst impulses and expressed little confidence Blanche would do so. Murkowski also warned the Justice Department has become more politicized and even weaponized under the current administration.
In explaining her opposition, Murkowski pointed to the department’s handling of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case and criticized the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion ‘‘anti-weaponization’’ fund, calling it a potential ‘‘slush fund’’ whose future she questioned.
A spokesman for McConnell did not comment on how the senator would vote if present. McConnell, who is retiring, has occasionally opposed other high-profile Trump nominees in recent months.
President Trump criticized Murkowski in a media interview released Thursday, reiterating his long-standing disapproval of her and touting his administration’s record for Alaska.
Blanche’s confirmation process has been contentious. Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis at one point withheld support, raising concerns about the fund tied to a settlement stemming from a leak of the president’s tax records and about language protecting the president and his family business from tax audits. Cornyn and Tillis sought written assurances on rescinding the fund and clarifying the audit immunity; Blanche provided those assurances.
Tillis also pressed Blanche to meet with Epstein survivors, a meeting that took place privately after Blanche’s confirmation hearing. At least one survivor described the encounter as unproductive, while Blanche characterized it differently. Democrats have criticized the Justice Department for failing to properly redact survivors’ personal information in related material, and they continue to warn that mechanisms remain that could allow the anti-weaponization fund to be revived.
Cassidy’s endorsement appears to clear a major hurdle for Blanche, but the administration’s critics and concerned senators continue to spotlight questions about politicization at the Justice Department and safeguards around the disputed fund.