共和党参议员丽莎·穆尔考斯基周五宣布反对托德·布兰奇担任司法部长的提名[1][2]。穆尔考斯基表示，"国家需要一位司法部长来制约这届政府最坏的冲动"[2]，她对特朗普政府的多项政策提出了关切，包括对杰弗瑞·爱泼斯坦相关文件的处理、税务审计豁免协议以及补偿基金等问题[2]。
布兰奇的确认前景已经严重受阻。参议院共和党人掌握53席，民主党人预计将全票投反对[1]，而缅因州参议员苏珊·柯林斯也已表示反对[1][2]。加上穆尔考斯基的反对，布兰奇的提名只能再失去一票共和党支持[2]，这意味着共和党参议员比尔·卡西迪的投票将成为决定性因素[1]。尽管提名面临困难，特朗普表示即使确认失败，他也会让布兰奇担任代理司法部长[1]。参议院司法委员会仅在与参议员科尔宁和蒂利斯达成协议后才推进了这项提名[2]。
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her opposition to Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general on Friday, a development that significantly threatens the Trump administration's nominee.[1][2] Murkowski, joined by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, cited concerns including the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, tax audit exemption agreements, and a proposed compensation fund.[2] With all Democrats expected to vote against the nomination and the Republican majority holding a 53-47 advantage, Blanche can afford to lose only one additional Republican vote for confirmation.[1][2]
Murkowski emphasized that "the nation needs an attorney general who can serve as a check on this administration's worst impulses."[2] She specifically raised concerns that the Trump administration may continue pursuing a proposed $1.8 billion fund to compensate January 6 Capitol riot participants, despite Blanche issuing a formal directive to terminate the initiative.[1] The tax audit exemption agreement covers only existing cases opened during settlement negotiations and does not shield Trump's future tax filings; the exemption applies solely to Trump, his two sons, and Trump Organization.[2]
The nomination's outcome now appears to hinge on Republican Senator Bill Cassidy's vote.[1] Trump has indicated he would appoint Blanche as acting attorney general even if the nomination fails confirmation in the Senate.[1]