Sen. Susan Collins plans to oppose Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, a setback for President Trump's pick, who needs at least 50 Senate votes to be confirmed.
Key facts
- Sen. Susan Collins will oppose Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
- Blanche needs at least 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.
- Blanche has already cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- The move is described as a critical blow to Trump's AG pick.
Sen. Susan Collins will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination to be attorney general, according to CNBC, delivering what the outlet described as a critical blow to President Trump’s pick for the post.
Blanche needs at least 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed. He reached that stage after clearing the Senate Judiciary Committee, which advanced his nomination to a full Senate vote.
Collins’s decision to vote against the nominee narrows the margin available to secure confirmation, placing added weight on the remaining senators who have yet to declare their positions.
The Senate confirmation process requires a nominee to advance through committee before facing a floor vote, a threshold Blanche has already met. The final tally on the floor will determine whether he takes up the role.
CNBC reported the development on August 4, 2026, framing Collins’s stance as a significant obstacle to the administration’s efforts to install Blanche as the nation’s top law enforcement official.
Why it matters
The attorney general leads the Justice Department and shapes the enforcement of federal law, so who fills the role carries broad national consequences. With Blanche needing at least 50 votes, a single senator's opposition can decide whether a nominee is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
How many votes does Todd Blanche need to be confirmed?
According to CNBC, Blanche needs at least 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed as attorney general.
Has Blanche's nomination advanced through committee?
Yes. CNBC reported that Blanche cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee, which sends the nomination to a full Senate floor vote.
Why is Sen. Collins's opposition significant?
CNBC described her opposition as a critical blow because Blanche needs at least 50 votes, and losing support narrows the path to confirmation.