This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.<\/p>\n
See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search. Set us as preferred<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2014\u00a0President Trump\u2019s choice for attorney general is facing a tight vote for confirmation in a Republican-controlled Senate nearly halfway through his second term, reflecting mounting doubts about his leadership of the Justice Department as bipartisan concerns over the weaponization of justice intensify.<\/p>\n
The confirmation of Todd Blanche hangs on the support of two Republicans who have repeatedly criticized Trump\u2019s stewardship of the department, where Blanche has served as deputy and acting attorney general, roles he assumed after working as the president\u2019s personal lawyer for nearly two years.<\/p>\n
Republican senators resisted Trump\u2019s approach to the Justice Department from the start of the presidential transition, rejecting his first choice to lead it, Matt Gaetz, amid concerns he would use the department to pursue political retribution. But after Gaetz withdrew, Trump\u2019s replacement, Pam Bondi, won bipartisan confirmation with the support of the entire Republican caucus.<\/p>\n
Blanche is already guaranteed a narrower margin, with Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announcing she will vote to reject his confirmation, and with Sen. Mitch McConnell absent for now for health reasons. Democrats are expected to be united in opposition against him.<\/p>\n
Acting Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche has a cleared critical hurdle in his bid to be confirmed to the post after swaying Republican holdouts on a Senate committee to advance his nomination for a floor vote.<\/p>\n
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a figure the president has referred to as a \u201cterrible,\u201d \u201cTrump-deranged\u201d \u201closer\u201d who \u201cshould never be elected,\u201d has refused to comment on her plans.<\/p>\n
Her staff has said she is reviewing a commitment Blanche made in writing to formally rescind a controversial, $1.8-billion \u201cAnti-Weaponization Fund,\u201d announced in May to compensate Trump\u2019s political allies, including those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.<\/p>\n
Blanche also said he would limit immunity offered to Trump and his family for future tax audits, although his wording left the door open to negotiating a future deal along similar terms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think certainly the fact that he has signed this order, basically disbanding [the Anti-Weaponization Fund] \u2014 that\u2019s a pretty good step,\u201d Murkowski said , adding that she would \u201clike to find out a little bit more about the negotiations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blanche has taken steps to curry Murkowski\u2019s favor in recent months, visiting Alaska and announcing a $400-million settlement benefiting Alaska natives\u2019 healthcare in July.<\/p>\n
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the other uncommitted lawmaker in the chamber, said he had concerns that Blanche was still effectively working as Trump\u2019s personal attorney under the guise of public service.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very concerned about so-called lawfare \u2014 people being prosecuted not for a valid reason beyond somebody in high office being angry at them,\u201d Cassidy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I\u2019ve not made a decision regarding Mr. Blanche,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019ve got to be convinced that he is an attorney general who just happens to have once been President Trump\u2019s personal attorney, as opposed to President Trump\u2019s personal attorney who is now the attorney general. I think there\u2019s a big difference between the two.\u201d<\/p>\n