Last week, Senate Republicans greenlighted six nominees for attorney general from President Donald Trump and are rushing to confirm additional picks as quickly as they can.
As they press ahead, Trump and some supporters are pushing for a shift away from a long-standing Senate custom that promotes bipartisan support in judicial nominations. They contend that this ‘blue-slip’ tradition is hindering the expedited confirmation of their nominees, asserting that Democrats are effectively stalling the process.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina expressed concern to Fox News Digital, saying, “It would be a big mistake to nuke Blue Slip.” He sees value in this tradition for minority parties and suggests Republicans might need it if control shifts back to Democrats.
So far, 33 judges have been confirmed since President Trump’s second term began, which is significantly lower than the total confirmed during his first term, which included various key judicial positions.
In Trump’s first year, the Senate confirmed 19 Article III nominees, including Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. Currently, while the Republicans are ahead in their confirmation pace compared to Trump’s first term, it’s worth noting that Democrats, led by former President Joe Biden, had 42 nominees for attorney general approved in his initial year.
It’s uncertain whether the Senate will exceed the total of 234 judicial nominations from Trump’s first term. For the moment, things seem to be moving forward without complications. Yet, Trump has publicly criticized the blue-slip practice, arguing it hampers the appointment of officials connected with American lawyers and judges.
Senator Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, appears to back the blue-slip tradition, despite Trump’s frustrations which likely stem from last year’s unsuccessful nominations. Grassley’s amendments in 2017 allowed certain judicial nominations to bypass the blue-slip process, enhancing Republicans’ ability to confirm judges during Trump’s presidency.
When asked about the Senate’s current confirmation pace and the future of the blue-slip custom, Grassley remarked, “That doesn’t have to be the question right now,” emphasizing the historical significance of the tradition that many senators want to maintain.
