Susan Collins to vote against Todd Blanche's nomination for Attorney General, even as other Republicans back him

Senator Susan Collins of Maine announced she would vote against Todd Blanche for the role of Attorney General on Tuesday, despite his nomination having passed a critical Senate vote. In a statement released, Collins mentioned that though she considers Blanche to be a skilled lawyer, the Department of Justice has been becoming more politically influenced.

She pointed out specific instances such as Blanche's endorsement of a deal to shield Trump and his family from IRS audits, establishing a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, and a pledge to an anti-abortion group to prevent the mailing of abortion drugs. Moreover, Collins also criticized Blanche's commitment to pursue indictments against Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin for their videos advocating resistance against unlawful orders.

Earlier, Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who originally opposed Blanche's nomination due to the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund proposal, decided to back him after reaching an agreement with the Acting Attorney General. John Curtis from Utah, who had previously shown reservations, also declared his support for Blanche.

This leaves just two Republican senators - Bill Cassidy from Louisiana and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska - whose voting intentions are still unclear. All Democratic senators are expected to oppose Blanche's confirmation. With McConnell recovering from an accident in June, remaining absent, Blanche can afford to lose only two GOP votes to fail in receiving confirmation.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 in line with party lines in favor of Blanche's nomination, which was presented by President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer. Vice President Kamala Harris commented on X that Blanche "will continue to serve the American people and the Trump Administration loyally, and he will make a great Attorney General."

The full Senate, where Republicans are in majority, is scheduled to vote later in the week to confirm Blanche as Attorney General. Blanche has been serving as the Acting Attorney General since President Trump replaced Pam Bondi in April. Before his appointment to the Department of Justice, Blanche represented Trump in his New York trial involving alleged "hush money" paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He was also part of the legal defense team in two federal cases against Trump by special counsel Jack Smith, both of which were dismissed after Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election.