President Donald Trump is clashing with Republican senators over the Senate’s century-old “blue slip” practice, which allows home-state senators to approve or block judicial and U.S. attorney nominees. Trump has labeled the process “outdated” and “unconstitutional,” threatening to sue if it continues, but GOP leaders insist the tradition protects their own influence in the long run. The rare intra-party dispute is deepening tensions inside the Senate Judiciary Committee as both Trump and Republicans struggle over the future of judicial appointments.
Republicans Push Back
Trump’s lawsuit threat has baffled many lawmakers, as the Senate makes its own rules. Republican senators have strongly resisted, arguing the blue slip helps them block unfavorable nominees under Democratic presidents. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley emphasized its value, noting that during Joe Biden’s presidency, Republicans used it to stop 30 liberal nominees. “Pres. Trump can now fill [those seats] with conservatives,” Grassley wrote on X, defending the practice.
Warnings from GOP Senators
Other Republicans echoed concerns. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said eliminating blue slips would be a “terrible, short-sighted ploy” that could allow Democrats to confirm “extremist liberal judges” in red states if they regain power. Senate Majority Leader John Thune added that he had personally benefited from the practice during Biden’s term and saw “no rush to change it.”
What the Blue Slip Is
The blue slip is literally a blue-colored form sent to the two home-state senators whenever a president nominates a district judge or U.S. attorney. Senators can return it with approval or disapproval—or withhold it altogether. Traditionally, negative or absent slips could stall a nomination. This practice dates back to 1918, though its scope has narrowed; in 2017, Republicans stopped honoring blue slips for circuit court nominees.
Democrats Have Used It Too
In recent months, Democrats have used blue slips to oppose several Trump nominees, including U.S. attorney nominee Alina Habba in New Jersey and two prosecutors in New York blocked by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The tradition has grown increasingly partisan, making cooperation between the White House and Senate less frequent.
Trump Turns on Grassley
Trump’s frustration has increasingly targeted Grassley, a longtime ally and senior Senate Republican. On social media, Trump urged him to have the “courage” to end the blue slip. Grassley shot back, saying he was “offended” by Trump’s personal insults and defended the process. Trump doubled down, claiming his “Consultational Right” to appoint judges had been stripped away in states with Democratic senators.
Nominations Showdown Ahead
Beyond blue slips, Trump and Republicans agree the broader confirmation process has bogged down. Democrats have slowed votes on Trump’s nominees, leading to Republican threats to hold the Senate in session through August. That failed, prompting Trump to lash out at Chuck Schumer on social media, writing that he could “GO TO HELL!” Now, Majority Leader Thune says rule changes will be considered this fall to prevent Democrats from blocking votes so easily.