Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced Tuesday she will vote against confirming Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general, citing his reported pledge to pro-life groups to restrict mail-order abortion medication. The announcement leaves Blanche with little margin for error in the Senate, where only one more Republican defection could block his confirmation.
Blanche, currently serving as acting attorney general, secured commitments from Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to support his nomination after he pledged in writing to dismantle the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and limit a related tax-immunity deal to past returns. Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated a vote could occur within days as lawmakers aim to confirm Blanche before the chamber recesses for a month.
A leaked July 30 call between Blanche and representatives of pro-life organizations, organized by the White House Faith Office, has become central to the debate. During the call, Blanche stated his intent to make the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision "permanent in every single state," adding that his office would implement policies to prevent challenges to state-level abortion restrictions, including restrictions on mail-order abortion drugs such as mifepristone.
The Department of Justice later clarified that Blanche’s remarks specifically addressed the mailing of abortion medication, not broader abortion access. The recording of the call was initially posted by Intercessors for America before being removed, though clips remain available on social media platforms.
Senate dynamics and political fallout
Collins’ opposition introduces uncertainty into Blanche’s confirmation process. With Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) absent indefinitely, Blanche can afford only one additional Republican defection. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have previously expressed reservations but have not indicated their voting intentions. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the confirmation process.
Pro-life advocacy groups have praised Blanche’s stance. SBA Pro-Life America stated in a press release that Blanche’s responses during his confirmation hearing reflected alignment with their priorities, including opposition to the Biden administration’s mail-order abortion drug policy. The group noted that Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee had pressed Blanche on the issue, expressing discomfort with the continuation of what they described as an "illegal mail-order abortion drug regime."
Ongoing questions and policy implications
The confirmation process has also raised questions about the scope and permanence of Blanche’s commitments. His written pledge to end the "anti-weaponization" fund and limit tax immunity has drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning whether such promises could be reversed or circumvented in the future. Additionally, the DOJ’s clarification that Blanche’s remarks pertained only to mail-order abortion drugs has not fully resolved concerns among opponents, who argue that his broader statements signal a willingness to restrict reproductive rights.
Senate leadership continues to engage with undecided senators in an effort to secure Blanche’s confirmation before the recess. Thune described the process as a "work in progress," expressing cautious optimism that a vote could be held in the coming days.