Todd Blanche gains pivotal Senate support for attorney general nomination

WASHINGTON —

Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, has gained critical support from Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, breaking a Senate deadlock despite ongoing opposition from other lawmakers.

Cassidy announced his support Friday morning despite having serious concerns about Blanche.

“Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr. Blanche,” Cassidy said. “It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump. And who, indeed, may not be as good as Mr. Blanche.”

Cassidy’s support comes amid a tightly divided Senate, with Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposing Blanche’s nomination.

Murkowski cited the $1.8 billion so-called anti-weaponization fund as a factor in her decision, arguing that it was rescinded while Blanche’s nomination was in limbo and could be reinstated if he is confirmed. She also expressed doubts about Blanche’s ability to act independently of the administration.

“When there are decisions that I have to make that I believe are in Alaska’s best interest, I will stand up for those despite where the president may or may not weigh in,” Murkowski said. “That’s my obligation, to the people of Alaska, not necessarily to the president.”

Cassidy acknowledged his own reservations during a Senate floor speech, citing Blanche’s “poor judgment” in exempting President Trump from IRS audits and approving the anti-weaponization fund. Blanche formally rescinded the fund in writing, which helped secure the support of two other Republican holdouts.

Democrats have long opposed Blanche, accusing him of prioritizing loyalty to President Trump over the independence of the Justice Department.

Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal defense attorney, has been acting attorney general since April, following the firing of Pam Bondi.