Angry Trump Launches New Power Grab: Targeting the Senate's 'Blue Slip' Rule
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has launched a fierce public attack on Senate leadership and long-standing traditions following a series of legal setbacks. After several of his hand-picked prosecutors were removed from their positions by the courts, the former President is now turning his frustration toward his own party.
The Trigger: Loyalists Removed from Office
The outburst comes just days after two of Trump's closest allies, Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan, were disqualified from serving as top federal prosecutors.
- Alina Habba: A vocal defender of Trump, Habba was forced to step down as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor after an appeals court ruled her appointment violated federal law.
- Lindsey Halligan: Appointed to prosecute figures Trump considered enemies (such as James Comey), Halligan was also removed from her post in Eastern Virginia.
Other appointees, including Sigal Chatta in Nevada and Bill Essayli in California, faced similar disqualifications for not complying with federal rules.
Targeting the "Blue Slip" Tradition
In response to these removals, Trump took to Truth Social to demand the end of the "Blue Slip" tradition. This Senate practice allows senators from a nominee’s home state to approve or block judicial and U.S. attorney appointments. If a home-state senator objects, the nomination usually stops.
Trump argues that this rule allows Democrats to block "highly qualified" Republican nominees and leaves only "far-left Democrats" in power. He framed the issue as a betrayal by Republicans, accusing them of allowing Democrats to control the courts.
Senate Leader Thune Pushes Back
Trump explicitly demanded that Senate Majority Leader John Thune intervene and scrap the rule. However, in a rare moment of defiance, Thune publicly defended the process.
Thune explained that the blue slip process is a long-standing tradition supported by both parties because it gives senators a voice in who holds power in their states. He also noted that contrary to Trump's claims, his nominees have actually been approved at a very high rate.
Thune made it clear: The rule is not changing.
The Standoff Continues
Despite Trump’s angry demands and claims that the system is rigged against him, Senate leadership remains firm. The "blue slip" tradition will stay, leaving Trump with limited options as he tries to place loyalists in key legal roles, while the courts continue to scrutinize the legality of his previous appointments.
0 Comments