Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's path to Senate confirmation became more complicated Tuesday after Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, announced she will oppose his nomination, creating fresh uncertainty for Republican leaders seeking to install President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Justice.
According to Fox News, Blanche cleared a key committee vote earlier in the day. Still, Collins' opposition narrows Republicans' margin for error as the nomination heads toward a full Senate vote.
In a statement, Collins praised Blanche's legal abilities but argued the Justice Department has become increasingly politicized.
"While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has become increasingly political," Collins said.
"Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the Department's independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation."
Collins said her decision followed a review of Blanche's record, written responses and testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee and during his confirmation hearing.
Among her concerns were Blanche's approval of tax audit protections for Trump and his family, as well as the creation of a nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund that has drawn criticism from some Republicans.
She also cited Blanche's commitments to anti-abortion organizations regarding mailed abortion medication, his attempted indictments of Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., over videos encouraging resistance to what they described as unlawful orders, and objections raised by more than 1,200 Justice Department employees.
"For these reasons, I will vote against this nomination," Collins said.
Her opposition does not automatically derail Blanche's confirmation, but it leaves Republicans with little room to lose additional votes.
The challenge is compounded by the continued absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whose return date remains uncertain.
Several other Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, John Curtis of Utah and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, have not publicly committed to supporting Blanche.
Collins' announcement comes after Blanche and the Justice Department reached an agreement with Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, to secure their backing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
As part of that agreement, the administration formally ended the anti-weaponization fund and narrowed the scope of the audit protections involving Trump and his family.
Some senators remain skeptical, arguing the agreement lacks a binding mechanism to prevent future changes after Blanche is confirmed.
The uncertainty also complicates Senate Majority Leader John Thune's effort to move Blanche's nomination quickly before lawmakers leave Washington for the Senate's extended August recess.