The Senate’s “blue slip” tradition—a hundred-year-old custom giving home-state senators veto power over judicial and U.S. attorney nominees—has come under attack from former President Trump. Standing near bans on cashless bail, he brandished plans to sue, calling the rule “unconstitutional” and a serious obstacle to his ability to fill critical positions.
Trump’s remarks came as Senator Chuck Grassley defended the practice, arguing it ensures nominees have bipartisan support and maintains institutional integrity. Grassley noted that it has also benefited Republicans by blocking liberal appointees in prior years.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has instructed colleagues to consider procedural changes to accelerate confirmations before the August recess ends—underscoring the growing tension between executive ambitions and long-standing legislative customs.