Murkowski to vote against Trump AG pick Blanche over Jan. 6 fund concerns

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Friday she will oppose Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, significantly complicating the confirmation process for President Trump's pick to lead the Justice Department. The Alaska senator stated her concern that the Trump administration could still proceed with a proposed fund to compensate Jan. 6 rioters, even after Blanche issued a formal order terminating it.

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she is concerned the Trump administration could proceed with its proposed fund to compensate Jan. 6 rioters even though Blanche has issued a formal order terminating it.

Murkowski explained that the Senate's leverage over the fund is tied to Blanche's pending nomination. She believes this leverage would disappear if he is confirmed. Blanche secured a 12-10 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week only after promising Republican holdouts he would not pursue the payout fund.

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Murkowski said the Senate has leverage over the fund only because Blanche's nomination is pending. That leverage would be gone if he is confirmed, she said.

With Republicans holding a narrow 53-47 majority, and Sen. Mitch McConnell absent, Blanche can only afford to lose two Republican votes if all Democrats oppose him. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has also stated her opposition, and Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has not yet revealed his stance. The Senate Judiciary vote followed negotiations over a settlement for Trump's lawsuit concerning his leaked tax returns. Blanche confirmed in writing that the $1.8 billion fund for allies who felt unfairly investigated would not move forward. However, Democrats argue Blanche's order is insufficient and have called for legislation to permanently block the fund. Even if not confirmed, Blanche could remain acting attorney general indefinitely.

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beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.