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◆ Mixed look for MurkowskiEthics / CorruptionCriminal Justice

Schumer Says Blanche Confirmation Gives Trump 'Excuse' for 'Corruption'

Murkowski said concerns about politicization, the Epstein files, and the IRS settlement led her to oppose Blanche.

Schumer Says Blanche Confirmation Gives Trump 'Excuse' for 'Corruption'
Image · Newsweek

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Outlet credibilityNewsweek75/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 1, 2026
Newsweek
Aug 8, 2026
tl;dr

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Bill Cassidy providing the decisive support and Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposing him. Chuck Schumer and other critics said the confirmation could weaken the Justice Department’s independence from President Trump.

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20 VOTES
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Lisa Murkowski R · AK · SEN
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People in this story

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Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Senator who opposed Blanche’s confirmation

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Senator who opposed Blanche’s confirmation

Collins's version of this story ↗
Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate Minority Leader criticizing Blanche’s confirmation

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

Senate Judiciary Committee chairman who supported Blanche

Former attorney general who was removed from the role

Todd Blanche
R · Attorney General

Attorney general confirmed by the Senate

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose former lawyer was confirmed as attorney general

Ben Ray Luján
D · NM · SEN

Senator who opposed Blanche and raised concerns about the Epstein-related records

Shelley Moore Capito
R · WV · SEN

Senator who voted to confirm Blanche

Nancy Pelosi
D · CA-11

Former House Speaker criticizing the timing and substance of the confirmation

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Senator whose support provided the decisive vote for Blanche’s confirmation

White House press secretary who praised Blanche’s confirmation

ALSO MENTIONED  Donald K. Sherman, President and CEO of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington; William Barr, Former attorney general consulted by Cassidy

Part of a bigger story

31 OUTLETS
Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, and Lisa Murkowski voted against his confirmation. Left-leaning outlets cast Murkowski’s opposition as a setback for Trump’s nominee and highlight Trump’s response. Center outlets focus on the narrow confirmation alongside concerns about Justice Department independence and the proposed fund. Right-leaning outlets emphasize confirmation despite Republican opposition, while also including criticism of Murkowski and coverage of Trump’s attack on her.

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