The Senate on Saturday approved acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Department of Justice after a high-drama confirmation process.
The 50-49 vote to confirm Blanche fell mostly along party lines, with two Republicans breaking ranks to oppose him. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska cited concerns ranging from the Epstein files to a so-called “anti-weaponization” fund.
“While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political,” Collins said in a statement explaining her thinking.
Murkowski said she wasn’t convinced Blanche would “check the worst impulses of this administration.”
“I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case,” she wrote in a post.
