Bill Cassidy Will Back Todd Blanche as Attorney General, Salvaging His Confirmation

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced on July 23, 2026, his backing for the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. In a Senate floor address, Cassidy acknowledged that Blanche "is not perfect," but argued that no individual is, and suggested that another nominee might not fare any better. Cassidy, who lost his re-election primary in May to a Trump-backed candidate, emphasized that his personal relationship with President Trump was irrelevant to his decision.

Blanche's confirmation faced challenges as two prominent Republican Senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, publicly declared their opposition. Murkowski, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney, determined she could not support Blanche's nomination due to concerns over the "politicization—even weaponization—of the Justice Department."

These concerns included the handling of the release of the Epstein files, immunity protections granted to the President and his family, statements made to anti-abortion groups, and the targeting of individuals such as former Administration staff and sitting U.S. Senators. Murkowski also factored in Trump’s planned "anti-weaponization" fund, though she was unconvinced it would prevent the fund from being used to extend payouts to individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots.

The Republican margin in the Senate was further complicated by the absence of Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who was recovering from a hospital stay due to a fall. Cassidy's support for Blanche was crucial, as the path toward confirmation for the acting Attorney General appeared increasingly difficult. After several constructive meetings with Blanche, Murkowski ultimately decided she could not support the nomination, stating that while she hoped Blanche would be able to check the worst impulses of the Administration if confirmed, she simply did not have confidence in his ability to do so.