Senate Vote on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Faces Growing Opposition

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is seeking Senate confirmation to become the permanent head of the Justice Department. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is trying to secure enough votes before the chamber adjourns for a five-week August recess. Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), oppose the nomination, while a handful of Republicans—such as Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Jon Husted (R-OH)—support it.

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Blanche, acting AG since the previous administration, is linked to former President Donald Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund, a $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS intended to compensate individuals who claimed unfair prosecution by the Biden-era Justice Department. The fund was rescinded after internal pushback but continues to shape Senate debate. Critics say it politicizes the Justice Department; supporters argue it protects lawful political activity.

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• More than 1,200 former DOJ employees have publicly opposed Blanche’s nomination.

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• The anti-weaponization fund was initially valued at approximately $1.8 billion.

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• Senate GOP holds an effective majority of 52 seats; Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is absent for health reasons.

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• Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) remain undecided.

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• Sen. Susan Collins called the Justice Department “increasingly political” under Blanche, citing his order shielding Trump-related entities from IRS audits and his pledge to restrict mailing of abortion medication.

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• Sen. John Thune said he is “confident” conversations with undecided senators will yield enough support before the recess.

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• Sen. John Kennedy noted negotiations involving Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) but said “the odds are against it.”

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• Sen. John Curtis announced he will vote for confirmation after “robust discussions” with Blanche.

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• Politicization: Opponents argue Blanche’s actions have eroded departmental independence.

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• IRS Audit Shield: Blanche approved an order protecting Trump, his sons and the family business from IRS audits.

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• Abortion-Medication Pledge: He pledged to seek a nationwide ban on mailing abortion medication.

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• Indictments of Senators: Under Blanche, prosecutors pursued indictments against Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) for a video urging service members to resist unlawful orders, which Collins called “ill-advised but constitutionally protected.”

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• Anti-Weaponization Fund: Cornyn and Tillis oppose advancing Blanche while the fund remains a possibility.

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• Sen. John Curtis and Sen. Jon Husted cite Blanche’s willingness to address concerns about the fund as a key factor in their support.

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• Sen. John Kennedy indicated openness to a compromise but stopped short of endorsing the nomination.

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The battle highlights a contest over the Justice Department’s autonomy and its role in politically charged investigations. Confirmation would cement a Trump-aligned leadership team, potentially influencing ongoing investigations and policy priorities. Failure could leave the department under acting leadership through a critical legislative period.

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Thune says discussions with the remaining undecided Republicans are ongoing, aiming for a vote before the August recess. The outcome hinges on whether Cornyn and Tillis resolve the anti-weaponization fund issue and whether Murkowski and Cassidy ultimately decide their stance.

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