Driving the news: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced Friday she will oppose acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination for a full term, citing concerns about DOJ independence and what she called the 'politicization — even weaponization — of the Department.'
Why it matters: With Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) already a 'no' and Sen. Mitch McConnell still absent from the Senate floor, Republicans can no longer absorb another defection. The confirmation vote will likely slip past the August recess.
By the numbers: - Blanche's nomination cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday - The DOJ's scrapped 'anti-weaponization' fund was estimated at nearly $2 billion - Trump has stated on multiple occasions he wants the fund revived
Between the lines: Murkowski acknowledged Blanche traveled to Alaska and called him 'decent and capable' — but said she lacks confidence he would serve as an independent check on the administration. She flagged the Epstein files handling, broad immunity protections for Trump's family and businesses, and a May IRS audit settlement shielding Trump.
Trump did not wait for her announcement to respond. 'I'm against Murkowski,' he told Punchbowl News. 'She's not good.'
The bottom line: Murkowski's defection is a real setback — but the underlying concern she raises deserves scrutiny on the merits, not just the politics. A Justice Department that answers to no one, left or right, is a liability for rule of law and free enterprise alike. Senate Republicans now own the delay. What they do with that leverage when they return from recess will define whether the Blanche deal was ever more than a handshake.