Trump Criticizes Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Over ‘Blue Slip’ Rule for U.S. Attorney Confirmations

In a sharp critique of the Senate’s longstanding “blue slip” tradition during a White House roundtable on farm relief, President Donald Trump took aim at Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the panel’s chair.

Trump expressed frustration with the practice that allows home-state senators to block judicial and U.S. attorney nominees from advancing past certain stages of confirmation, even after they receive formal presidential nominations. He specifically mentioned a situation involving Alina Habba, who was serving as acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey when she faced opposition from Democrat Sens. The situation with Habba occurred in the context where her appointment was blocked due to this tradition.

Trump stated that he believes the rule hinders the administration’s ability to appoint qualified individuals. “If I put up George Washington or Abraham Lincoln to be U.S. attorney,” Trump remarked, suggesting hypothetical examples of highly respected figures, “in New Jersey or Virginia, Democrat senators would not approve them because they are tied by this ‘gentleman’s agreement.'” He implied that even the most exceptional candidates can be blocked if their home-state senator is opposed.

“I hope somebody speaks to Sen. Grassley about doing something,” Trump suggested, adding that he felt the rule should be abolished so that he could appoint “the most highly educated, the most respected people” without unnecessary hurdles.

Trump also noted that Democrats have occasionally flouted this tradition as well, but emphasized his administration’s stance against it. He stressed that the blue slip tradition forces repeated appointments and prevents stability, calling it a “sad situation.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged Trump’s comments regarding Habba’s position but said the Department of Justice would pursue legal action to challenge the ruling by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite the court’s decision leading to Habba stepping down from her acting role as U.S. Attorney, she remains with the DOJ in an advisory capacity.

The administration aims to overturn what they see as a judicial overreach that undermines executive branch appointments.
Okay, here’s the rewritten text:

Title: Trump Criticizes Senate Judiciary Committee Over ‘Blue Slip’ Rule for U.S. Attorney Confirmations

In comments made during a White House roundtable on farm relief, President Donald Trump criticized Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, regarding the committee’s adherence to the long-standing “blue slip” tradition.

The President highlighted this criticism in response to recent developments concerning Alina Habba, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey. The blue slip rule allows home-state senators of a nominee to block their confirmation if they are from another state. Trump lamented how even highly qualified candidates like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln hypothetically placed in New Jersey would face opposition due to this practice.

Trump stated he hopes someone will speak with Sen. Grassley about changing the policy, expressing frustration that the blue slip tradition prevents him from appointing top-tier individuals without political interference. He specifically mentioned that Democrats have also ignored the rule on numerous occasions, but emphasized his administration’s desire for a different approach, stating it was a “sad situation” and that the constant blocking forces repeated appointments.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Trump’s remarks, assuring reporters that her department would challenge the ruling by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals regarding Habba’s role. The court had disqualified Habba from serving as U.S. attorney for New Jersey, leading to her stepping down after a temporary term.