Senator John Fetterman said President Trump has “zero leverage” over Republican senators who are leaving office or have lost their party’s nominations, arguing that they are freer to oppose his preferred attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche. The comments underline growing tensions within the Republican Senate caucus and could complicate the administration’s effort to secure confirmation for Blanche.

Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said he would vote against Blanche, who is serving as acting attorney general and previously represented Trump. Several Republican senators have also raised concerns about Blanche, particularly over a proposed roughly $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund, meaning the nominee may need substantial party unity in a closely divided Senate.