Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced on August 4, 2026, that she will vote against the confirmation of Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General, citing concerns over the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) political independence under his leadership. The decision narrows Blanche’s path to confirmation, as Republicans can only afford to lose one additional GOP vote in the Senate.
Blanche, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, has served as acting attorney general since April 2026 following the resignation of Pam Bondi. His nomination advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee on August 4 in a 12-10 party-line vote, with Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) initially withholding support until Blanche rescinded an order establishing a $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
Senate Republicans’ Path to Confirmation Narrows
Collins’ opposition leaves Blanche one vote short of the 51 needed for confirmation, assuming all Democratic senators vote against him. The Republican conference can only afford to lose one more GOP vote before Blanche’s confirmation becomes impossible. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) has publicly stated he will vote to confirm Blanche, while Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) remain publicly undecided.
Collins’ decision follows her review of Blanche’s record, including his approval of a May 2026 DOJ order shielding President Trump and his family from IRS audits after a leak of their tax returns. She also cited Blanche’s pledge to anti-abortion groups to prohibit the mailing of abortion medication nationwide and his support for the now-rescinded Anti-Weaponization Fund, which critics argued could be used to compensate individuals targeted by politically motivated investigations.
Republican Holdouts Secure Concessions on DOJ Policies
Cornyn and Tillis delayed Blanche’s committee vote for a week, demanding the Anti-Weaponization Fund be dismantled and that the IRS audit protections for Trump’s family be narrowed. Blanche complied, rescinding the fund’s order on August 3, 2026, and issuing a written agreement limiting the scope of the audit protections to the plaintiffs in the underlying lawsuit.
Trump criticized Cornyn’s holdout as retaliation for his endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s Senate primary, calling Blanche’s nomination a “pawn” in intraparty disputes. Cornyn denied personal motives, stating the holdout was based on policy concerns rather than payback.
Democratic Opposition Focuses on Alleged Loyalty to Trump
Democratic senators, including Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), have framed Blanche’s nomination as a threat to DOJ independence. Booker argued during the committee hearing that Blanche’s rescission of the Anti-Weaponization Fund did not provide sufficient guarantees, stating, “We got nothing! No guarantees whatsoever that this slush fund can’t go forward.” Democrats also accused Blanche of using DOJ resources to target political opponents, citing his attempted indictments of Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) for constitutionally protected speech.
DOJ Defends Blanche’s Record
A DOJ spokesperson told Newsweek that Blanche’s comments to anti-abortion groups were “mischaracterized” and that his policies were intended to address mail-order abortion drugs, not expand federal control over state abortion laws. The department emphasized that Blanche’s actions were consistent with DOJ’s legal obligations and Trump’s executive priorities.
What Comes Next
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) can schedule a floor vote on Blanche’s confirmation at any time. If confirmed, Blanche would replace Bondi as attorney general. If rejected, Trump would need to nominate an alternative candidate, potentially delaying DOJ leadership during a period of heightened political scrutiny.
Key Dates & Actions
- May 2026: DOJ order shields Trump family from IRS audits.
- August 3, 2026: Blanche rescinds Anti-Weaponization Fund order.
- August 4, 2026: Judiciary Committee advances nomination 12-10.
- August 4, 2026: Collins announces opposition to confirmation.