On Tuesday, President Trump called on Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to “step up” and put an end to what he described as “silly habits” that might hinder the appointment of judicial candidates in state courts.
Trump noted that Grassley, who was re-elected to the Senate in Iowa, previously addressed the “blue slip” issue related to appointing capable judges and U.S. attorneys.
The president argued that the “blue slip” tradition allows a Democratic senator from a blue state to effectively veto a strong Republican candidate.
“In simpler terms, the President of the United States shouldn’t be prevented from appointing someone he prefers due to outdated and potentially unconstitutional practices,” Trump expressed.
This tradition has been around since at least 1917, typically involving the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee providing blue slips to two senators representing U.S. attorney or district court nominees chosen by the president.
Under the “blue slip” rule, if a senator does not return the slip or gives a negative assessment, the nominee may not even be considered by the committee.
Recently, for instance, Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, both Democrats from New Jersey, used the “blue slip” to halt consideration of Trump’s former personal attorney, Alina Haba, for the top federal prosecutor position in New Jersey.
Haba currently serves as a U.S. attorney for New Jersey, pending confirmation.
Trump asserted, “The only way to overcome this nonsense is to appoint Democrats or less effective Republicans.”
He noted, “That’s why I find it impossible to appoint a great judge or U.S. attorney in places like California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, or Virginia—where crime and corruption are rampant.”
Trump urged Grassley to take action, claiming previous leaders of the Judiciary Committee had “openly destroyed” traditions at least twice.
He pressed Grassley to swiftly get rid of the “blue slip” tradition.
“The Democrats have brought this absurd practice upon us, and now is the time to push back,” Trump argued.
“Chuck, I know you have the courage to do this—so make it happen!” he concluded. A spokesperson for Grassley did not respond immediately for comments.
