GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski comes out against Todd Blanche for attorney general, putting his nomination in jeopardy

Key Points:

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced her opposition to President Trump's nominee Todd Blanche for attorney general, joining Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in opposing the pick and putting the nomination at risk.
• Murkowski cited concerns about the politicization and "weaponization" of the Justice Department under the Trump administration and expressed doubts about Blanche's ability to check the administration's worst impulses.
• The nomination faces additional challenges as Sen. Mitch McConnell is out indefinitely, Democrats are expected to oppose, and Sen. Bill Cassidy remains undecided, meaning a third GOP opponent could block the confirmation.
• Blanche's confirmation process has been troubled, with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis withholding support over concerns about a controversial $1.8 billion fund linked to politically motivated prosecutions and audit immunity for Trump and his family business.
• Despite Blanche meeting privately with Epstein survivors after his confirmation hearing, some victims described the meeting as unproductive, highlighting ongoing controversy over the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case.