Trump’s call to end a century-old Senate tradition has ignited a fierce clash with one of his own party’s most senior members, Senator Chuck Grassley.

The Clash Over Blue Slips

President Donald Trump has once again thrust himself into the center of controversy, this time by publicly urging Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley to abolish the Senate’s “blue slip” tradition. This century-old practice allows home-state senators to have a say in blocking federal district judge and U.S. attorney nominees. Trump’s demand comes from frustration over Democrats allegedly using the blue slip process to stall his nominations, particularly in states like New York and California where Democrats hold sway. In response, Grassley, a seasoned Republican senator from Iowa, fired back, defending the tradition and expressing personal offense at Trump’s approach.

RINO Chuck Grassley Lashes Out at Trump After President Calls on Him to Ditch a Little-Known ‘Tradition’ That Has Allowed Dems to Stonewall Trump’s Nominees (VIDEO) https://t.co/DOtjUXrkEX

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) July 30, 2025

The blue slip tradition, while not an official Senate rule, has been a powerful tool for senators to influence federal appointments in their states. It dates back to at least 1917 and has been utilized by both parties to their political advantage. Trump, however, sees it as a barrier to his agenda, particularly in installing judges and attorneys who align with his vision. The clash between Trump and Grassley puts a spotlight on this obscure but significant Senate practice.

Grassley’s Defense of Tradition

Grassley, who holds procedural power over the nomination process as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been firm in his defense of the blue slip tradition. He argues that it ensures bipartisan input and respects the institutional norms of the Senate. Grassley has publicly rebuffed Trump’s calls for change, stating that he has been consistent in his position on the matter for decades. This stance aligns with his long-standing commitment to Senate traditions, even in the face of pressure from within his own party.

Trump calls out the Blue Slip tradition as an unconstitutional chokehold weaponized by Democrats to block Republican judicial picks…
Says it’s time for Senator Grassley to flip the script, end the game, and confirm MAGA judges… using the same “bypass” precedent that Biden… pic.twitter.com/7YjM96uYZ6

— Observing Consciousness (@holonabove) July 29, 2025

The veteran senator’s response to Trump’s attack was not just a defense of the blue slip process, but also a call to maintain the Senate’s historical practices. Grassley emphasized the importance of these traditions in maintaining a balance of power and ensuring that minority party voices are heard. His stance reflects a broader concern among some Republicans that abandoning such traditions could lead to further politicization of the judicial nomination process.

Implications for Judicial Appointments

The ongoing dispute between Trump and Grassley has significant implications for judicial appointments. With key nominations, such as Jay Clayton’s for U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, remaining stalled, the blue slip tradition is under intense scrutiny. For Trump, the delay is a source of frustration, as he seeks to expedite the appointment of loyalists and reshape the judiciary in line with his administration’s goals.

For the Senate, the debate over the blue slip tradition highlights the tension between political expediency and the preservation of Senate norms. If the tradition is abolished, it could centralize power in the majority party, reducing the influence of the minority party in judicial appointments. This could set a precedent for future administrations, impacting how judicial nominations are handled and potentially altering the balance of power within the Senate.

Sources:

Politico

Fox News

Semafor

Senate Judiciary Committee