The confirmation process for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces new challenges after Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) declared she will vote against his nomination. Despite acknowledging Blanche as a capable lawyer, Collins expressed concerns over the Department of Justice's (DOJ) increasing politicization and actions she believes have undermined its independence.

Collins’ opposition follows Blanche’s survival of a key Senate committee vote on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, but his confirmation remains uncertain as Republican leaders consider a full Senate floor vote.

In a statement, Collins cited several reasons for her decision, including Blanche’s approval of a protective "shield" from IRS audits for former President Donald Trump, his family, and associates, as well as the nearly $2 billion anti-weaponization fund, which has drawn criticism from multiple Republicans. She also referenced pushback from over 1,200 Justice Department employees and criticized Democratic lawmakers Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) for their "ill-advised, but constitutionally protected, videos encouraging resistance to unlawful orders."

"While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice 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. For these reasons, I will vote against this nomination."

Collins’ decision comes after reviewing Blanche’s qualifications and his responses during his appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, which she chairs, as well as his confirmation hearing. Blanche was nominated to replace former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The outcome of Blanche’s confirmation remains uncertain as Republican leaders weigh the political implications of the vote.

Sources