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'Traitor': Trump condemns GOP senator who refused to bend the knee and vote for Todd Blanche

Blanche was confirmed as attorney general after agreeing in writing to abandon a proposed compensation fund and narrow IRS audit protections.

'Traitor': Trump condemns GOP senator who refused to bend the knee and vote for Todd Blanche
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This article1 analysis · Oct 1, 2026

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Republished from The Independent, with credit to the original publisher.

The Independent77/100 HIGH

132 stories · 76–77 · updated Oct 1, 2026

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AOL.comvia The Independent
Aug 8, 2026
tl;dr

President Trump called Sen. Lisa Murkowski a “traitor” after she voted against Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general. Blanche was confirmed 50-49, with Sen. Bill Cassidy supplying the decisive Republican vote after Blanche agreed to abandon a proposed compensation fund and narrow IRS audit protections.

Community verdict

24 VOTES
How does this story look for
Todd Blanche R · Attorney General
● OPEN

People in this story

SWIPE →
Todd Blanche
R · Attorney General

Attorney general whose Senate confirmation is at the center of the story

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Senator who opposed Todd Blanche’s confirmation and was criticized by Trump

Murkowski's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who attacked Murkowski over her vote

Trump's version of this story ↗
Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Senator whose vote secured Blanche’s confirmation

Cassidy's version of this story ↗
Chuck Grassley
R · IA · SEN

Senator who endorsed Blanche during debate

Former attorney general mentioned as having left the post

Former attorney general mentioned in Trump’s criticism of Murkowski

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Senator who opposed Blanche’s confirmation

Former president mentioned in Trump’s comparison to an earlier attorney general confirmation

Richard J. Durbin
D · IL · SEN

Senator who criticized Blanche’s confirmation

ALSO MENTIONED  William Barr, Former attorney general whose advice Cassidy cited

Part of a bigger story

39 OUTLETS
Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general after senators split over his nomination. Left-leaning outlets condemn Republican support for Blanche and stress concerns about Justice Department independence. Center outlets focus on the narrow vote, competing positions, and concerns and negotiations surrounding the confirmation. Right-leaning outlets cover the Republican split, with some coverage also highlighting Cassidy’s backing and Trump’s criticism of Murkowski after the vote.

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