Senator Susan Collins Declares Opposition to Todd Blanche's Permanent Attorney General Nomination
Senator Susan Collins announced she will vote against confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to a full term, citing concerns over the Justice Department’s independence.
On Tuesday, Senator Susan Collins publicly stated she will oppose the Senate’s move to confirm acting Attorney General Todd Blanche permanently. In a post on X, Collins said her decision stems from Blanche’s actions that, in her view, have further eroded the Department of Justice’s independence, including the establishment of an anti-weaponization fund and an immunity deal for the Trump family. She also referenced his past remarks about restricting an abortion medication and an attempt to indict two senators over a video urging service members to defy illegal orders.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had already advanced his nomination, and Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis withdrew their objections after receiving written assurances. With Republicans controlling 53 votes, Blanche can survive the loss of up to three GOP supporters if Vice President JD Vance casts a tie-breaking vote.
Why it matters
The vote could determine whether the Justice Department remains politically independent under a permanent attorney general.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps report Collins' opposition and cite the same controversial actions, but left-leaning coverage stresses the DOJ's politicization and the breadth of criticism, while right-leaning coverage treats the vote as a procedural hurdle and highlights Republican vote counts.
LEFT
Frames Collins as a principled defender of DOJ independence, underscoring the department’s politicization and the large number of former DOJ employees criticizing Blanche.
RIGHT
Frames Collins' opposition as a tactical vote that narrows Blanche’s path, noting Republican vote margins and the withdrawal of other objections.
The left emphasises
- department has become overtly political
- over 1,200 former DOJ employees have publicly criticized Blanche
- Collins' vote makes the nomination possibly fail
The right emphasises
- Collins will vote “no,” narrowing his path to confirmation
- Republicans can only afford to lose two GOP votes
- Senators Cornyn and Tillis withdrew objections after assurances
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