Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is well known for being one of the squishiest of the Senate Republican squishes. She's the textbook definition of a Republican In Name Only, often siding with her fellow squishes, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), in standing athwart of conservative legislation. And presidential nominees.
Because the Republican majority is currently so thin, she and her fellow RINOs have outsized power when the GOP caucus needs to pull together to support certain bills or nominations. And It's a power she wields quite happily.
In a lengthy X post Friday morning, Murkowski – or "Princess Lisa," as our own Ward Clark, a constituent, likes to call her – sanctimoniously detailed how she was planning to go full Murkowski on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is President Trump's choice to be the next attorney general. Simply put, she's not voting for Blanche.
Calling Blanche "decent and capable," the senator thanked him for making the long trip to Alaska and for making decisions in his current role that "benefit our state and nation." Then came the inevitable "but."
However, she wrote, she won't be voting for him. Her reasoning? In her own words, "The politicization—even weaponization—of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it. I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators."
Does anyone remember her being this mad about the Biden administration weaponizing the Federal government against Donald Trump?
She's also miffed about the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which Blanche rescinded earlier this week, because ... J6. Murkowski accuses Blanche of only pretending to kill off the fund in order to get his nomination through the Senate.
Murkowski has made a career out of being the Republican Democrats can count on when needed. Now, with the GOP majority needing every vote, she’s once again reminding Trump and Senate Republicans that “Princess Lisa” intends to extract every ounce of leverage she can get. If she ends up sinking Todd Blanche's nomination, you can be sure President Trump won't soon forget her betrayal.
Here's Murkowski's post in its entirety.
I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable. I appreciate the trip he made to learn more about Alaska, including our rural areas, and as Acting Attorney General he has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) August 7, 2026
I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable. I appreciate the trip he made to learn more about Alaska, including our rural areas, and as Acting Attorney General he has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our state and the nation.
Ultimately, however, I will oppose his nomination.
The politicization—even weaponization—of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it. I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators.
I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund—which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters—is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage. Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.
The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.
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