Trump Urges Senate to Eliminate Blue Slip Tradition

On Thursday, former President Donald Trump called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to put an end to the Senate’s “blue slip” tradition. He contended that this practice has enabled Democrats to obstruct Republican judicial and U.S. attorney nominees.

Trump expressed frustration on Truth Social, stating, “If they say no, it’s over for that very qualified Republican candidate. Only really far-left Democrats can approve it.” He criticized the Republican Party under Senator Chuck Grassley for allowing this situation to persist, labeling it unfair and unconstitutional.

In his post, he addressed Thune directly, urging him to take action. “I hereby call on the wonderful man that is Senate Majority Leader John Thune to get something done, ideally an end to blue slips. Too many big Republicans are being sent in. None of them are being confirmed!!!”

This push comes amid ongoing legal challenges concerning Trump’s own appointment as U.S. attorney.

Haba Resigns as New Jersey’s Federal Prosecutor

In another turn of events, Alina Haba announced her resignation on Monday from her role as New Jersey’s lead federal prosecutor, following a court’s decision asserting that her appointment was unlawful.

After Eric Siebert’s resignation, President Trump appointed Lindsey Harrigan as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. A recent ruling by a federal judge dismissed charges against former FBI Director James Comey, indicating that Harrigan lacked the authority to prosecute due to his illegal appointment.

Trump’s remarks signal a significant shift, as he calls for the Senate to alter a long-standing process that both Republicans and Democrats have generally been cautious to change, likely out of concern about losing their own power to obstruct or delay nominations.