Another Republican Says They Will Vote Against Trump-Backed Blanche's Confirmation

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced early Friday her intention to vote against the confirmation of Todd Blanche for Attorney General, complicating the path for President Donald Trump’s nominee.Despite several “constructive meetings” with Blanche, Murkowski determined she could not support the acting Attorney General’s nomination, stating that while the “politicization—even weaponization—of the [Justice] Department” did not start with the Trump Administration, it has “accelerated” during it.“I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former Administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators,” Murkowski said.The Alaska lawmaker also factored in Trump’s planned “anti-weaponization” fund, citing she was aware it is “only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage.”The fund has been a point of contention across party aisles due to concerns the payouts to those who the Trump Administration claims were unfairly pers...