{
  "id": 269382,
  "title": "Cassidy Backs Blanche AG Nomination—Why Murkowski and Collins Will Vote No",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/cassidy-backs-blanche-ag-nomination-why-murkowski-and-collins-will",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T15:01:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/cassidy-backs-todd-blanche-ag-nomination-murkowski-collins-oppose-12297145"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Todd Blanche secured a significant endorsement from Senator Bill Cassidy on Friday, clearing the way for his confirmation as Attorney General despite opposition from Senator Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Cassidy's decision came after he consulted former Attorney General William Barr, who argued that Blanche's prior association with Trump would make him more likely to challenge the administration when necessary.\n\nMurkowski and Collins, however, voiced their opposition, citing concerns about Blanche's handling of high-profile controversies and the Justice Department's increasing politicization. Murkowski expressed skepticism that Trump's administration had truly abandoned the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and his reported comments to anti-abortion groups. Collins pointed to four specific objections, including Blanche's approval of protections shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits and his reported promise to an anti-abortion group to prohibit the mailing of abortion medication nationwide.\n\nDespite these concerns, Cassidy maintained that Blanche was not perfect but argued that confirming him would be better than leaving the Justice Department in the hands of an acting official. He emphasized that Blanche could effectively lead the department under Trump and warned that a prolonged confirmation battle could jeopardize ongoing efforts against violent crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and fraud.",
  "summary": "Senator Bill Cassidy has announced his support for President Donald Trump's nominee, Todd Blanche, for the position of Attorney General, overcoming concerns from two influential Republican moderates, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who have expressed reservations about Blanche's suitability for the role. Cassidy's endorsement is seen as a crucial swing vote, as Collins and Murkowski had signaled they would vote against Blanche due to concerns over his handling of several high-profile controversies and the increasing politicization of the Justice Department under Trump. Cassidy has emphasized that Blanche's prior role as Trump's lawyer does not mean he would be a rubber stamp for the president, citing former Attorney General William Barr's arguments that representing a client effectively requires tough conversations and difficult truths. Despite Cassidy's backing, Murkowski and Collins remain opposed, citing issues such as the increasing politicization of the Justice Department, Blanche's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, immunity granted to Trump and his family, and the administration's targeting of various individuals.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}