President Donald Trump is fed up with a century-old Senate tradition that is stalling his judicial picks. He’s calling on Sen. Chuck Grassley to ditch the “blue slip” custom that lets senators block nominees from their states, as the New York Post reports. It’s a bold move to shake up a system Trump says protects crime-ridden blue states.
Trump pressed Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, to end the “blue slip” tradition, which has allowed senators to halt judicial and U.S. attorney nominees since at least 1917. The process involves sending blue forms to a nominee’s home-state senators for approval. If those slips aren’t returned or get a thumbs-down, the nominee is toast.
The “blue slip” isn’t some sacred rule -- it’s been applied inconsistently for years. Trump argues it’s a relic that ties his hands, letting Democrats like New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Andy Kim block his pick, Alina Habba, for the state’s top prosecutor. Habba’s stuck as acting U.S. attorney, unable to get a fair shot at confirmation.
“Chuck Grassley… could solve the ‘Blue Slip’ problem… with a mere flick of the pen,” Trump declared. He’s not wrong -- Grassley has the clout to change this game. But the senator’s office stayed mum when pressed for a response.
Trump’s argument is simple: the “blue slip” lets senators from liberal states veto his nominees, shielding corrupt systems. He claims it’s why he can’t place “Great Judges” in places like California or New York, where crime festers under progressive policies. It’s a stinging jab at Democrat strongholds.
The tradition’s defenders might cry fairness, but Trump says it’s a one-way street. He insists Democrats ignored the custom at least twice under Biden, cherry-picking when it suits them. Sounds like a classic case of rules for thee, but not for me.
“The Democrats have broken this ridiculous custom on us,” Trump fumed. He’s calling their bluff, daring Grassley to level the playing field. Why should Republicans play nice when the other side’s been bending the rules?
Take New Jersey’s Habba, a Trump nominee who’s caught in the crossfire. Booker and Kim’s refusal to return their blue slips has left her in limbo, serving without full authority. It’s a power play that reeks of partisan obstruction.
Trump’s not just whining -- he has a point about the stakes. “The places where fantastic people are most needed” are exactly where the “blue slip” blocks reform, he argues. High-crime states need strong prosecutors, not more delays.
“Chuck, I know you have the Courage to do this,” Trump urged. It’s a not-so-subtle nudge for Grassley to step up or risk looking weak. The Iowa senator has been a Trump ally before -- will he take the bait?
The “blue slip” might sound like quaint Senate etiquette, but Trump calls it a “Hoax” that’s “probably Unconstitutional.” He’s framing it as a barrier to justice, not a check on power. That’s a narrative that’ll resonate with fed-up conservatives.
Without Grassley’s action, Trump warns, only “weak and ineffective” Republicans or Democrats will slip through in blue states. It’s a grim prospect for anyone who wants tough-on-crime judges. The status quo rewards the swamp, not the people.
“Senator Grassley must step up,” Trump insisted. He’s banking on the senator’s loyalty, reminding everyone he helped Grassley’s re-election in Iowa. That’s Trump’s style -- mixing gratitude with a hard elbow.
The “blue slip” fight isn’t just about judges; it’s about who controls the system. Trump’s pushing for a judiciary that reflects his vision, not one handcuffed by Senate gamesmanship. Democrats’ resistance only proves his point.
Grassley’s next move will show if he’s got the spine to back Trump’s call. Ending the “blue slip” could unleash a wave of conservative judges -- or spark a Senate brawl. Either way, it’s a showdown worth watching.
