Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Senator Chuck Grassley is resisting President Trump’s pressure to end the traditional “blue slip” practice in the Senate, which allows home-state senators to approve or block judicial nominees.
- The “blue slip” tradition promotes bipartisanship and local input in judicial appointments, especially for district courts and U.S. Attorneys.
- Trump’s campaign to end the blue slip has intensified, with support from his allies who accuse Grassley of obstructing judicial confirmations.
- Grassley emphasizes the importance of the tradition for proper vetting and local representation, despite political pressure.
- The conflict reflects broader debates over judicial independence, politicization, and procedural norms as the 2026 elections approach.
Table of Contents
What Is the “Blue Slip” Tradition?
Grassley’s Response and the Stakes
What Is the “Blue Slip” Tradition?
The “blue slip” is a Senate custom that gives senators from a nominee’s home state the power to express approval or disapproval for that nominee. This tradition fosters a degree of bipartisanship and ensures local input on federal judicial appointments, mainly for district court judges and U.S. Attorneys.
Trump’s Pressure Campaign
In late July 2025, Trump took to Truth Social to demand that Grassley “have the courage” to end this tradition to speed up confirmations of Trump’s judicial nominees, who have been slowed by Democrats using their own blue slip privileges to block certain nominees. Trump’s supporters amplified pressure by labeling Grassley as a RINO (Republican In Name Only) and calling to “light up Grassley’s office”.
Grassley’s Response and the Stakes
Grassley expressed being “offended” and “disappointed” by the personal nature of Trump’s attacks. He defended the blue slip tradition as crucial for ensuring judges and U.S. Attorneys are properly vetted by local representatives whose constituencies they will serve. He emphasized that although it might seem like a Washington procedural matter, it significantly impacts law and order on the ground.
This tension comes amid broader struggles over judicial appointments, with Democrats blocking nominees citing concerns about politicizing the Justice Department and law enforcement roles. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has explicitly opposed some of Trump’s picks for U.S. Attorney positions, calling Trump’s intentions “deeply corrosive to the rule of law“
Why It Matters
- Bipartisanship vs. Partisan Speed: Ending the blue slip could fast-track nominees favored by the party controlling the Senate but risks sidelining input from the opposition and home-state senators.
- Judicial Independence: The conflict reflects broader worries about politicizing the judiciary and law enforcement, especially under Trump’s stated plans to use these offices against political opponents.
- Grassley’s Standing: As a senior and influential senator, Grassley’s resistance marks a significant attempt to uphold Senate norms against pressures from the former president.
What’s Next?
Senate Republicans appear to be negotiating ways to confirm more of Trump’s nominees, focusing on less controversial positions like ambassadors. However, the blue slip tradition continues to be a contentious hurdle, illustrating the tug-of-war between the legislative branch’s procedural customs and aggressive political agendas moving into the 2026 election cycle.
FAQ
Why is the “blue slip” tradition important?
The “blue slip” tradition allows home-state senators to give input on judicial nominees, helping ensure local interests are represented and fostering bipartisanship in judicial confirmations.
What is Trump’s main goal regarding the blue slip?
Trump aims to end or weaken the blue slip tradition to speed up the confirmation process for his judicial nominees, often facing opposition from Democrats and Senate Democrats who value the tradition’s role in vetting.
How has Grassley responded to Trump’s pressure?
Grassley has refused to abandon the blue slip tradition, citing its importance for vetting and local representation, and has publicly expressed being offended by Trump’s tactics.