Trump ratchets up ‘blue slip’ battle with Grassley

The Hill ^ | 08/25/25 6:01 PM ET | by Al Weaver and Alex Gangitano

[MinorityRepublican]

But President Trump can and should use the bully pulpit to change use of blue slips, if he thinks that a battle he can win.

He should request the Senate to go into recess.

If they refuse, 18 Republican Senators are running for reelection in 2026. He can endorse a replacement in their primaries. He has done that to Tillis already.

[DesertRhino]

That rule did not exist before the Wilsonian era 1917 filthy Senate. And from 1917-1955, the blue slip opposing a nominee did not prevent it from moving forward... it only gave the Senator is question a chance to state his opposition in the debate.

The “rule” has been changed 8 times....including 4 times since 2001. This “rule” is nothing sacred. It’s a memorial to corrupt influence.

[Fury]

That’s one strategy. He should give it a try.

Let’s be frank - Congress in many ways has abdicated their Article I “first among equals” role. In some ways the blue slip process is their way of hanging onto some “raw” power they retain. Tension between branches is not always a bad thing - depends on the issue at hand.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

It’s a full blown Pride parade. Naked self-greed on display, gyrating senators in leather dog masks and nothing else.

Damn us for keeping them there. Damned to hell.

[MinorityRepublican]

The way I see it, Trump is trying to restore the Republic.

Everyone is against him. The Deep State. And yes, that includes the Republicans in the Senate (most likely due to corruption).

[Dr. Franklin]

It’s really about separation of powers.
But President Trump can and should use the bully pulpit to change use of blue slips, if he thinks that a battle he can win.
We shall see.

The blue slips are a liberum veto by which any one senator can object to a presidential appointment if in his/her home state. It's an anti-democratic Senate tradition which is clearly anti-democratic. Yet, I expect the courts to uphold the practice as separation of powers. Of course, if the Rats can run favored judges in the courts every time they disagree with presidential executive orders and enacted statutes, Trump can try his hand at forum shopping for a judge who might issuen a favorable ruling. I doubt he will be successful in the courts, but he is making a political statement. Elections have consequences and POTUS should be able to get his team of lawyers in place without needless delay.

[Vermont Lt]

He is missing the advise and consent part of the equation.

You would imagine Trump would understand this stuff after a few years.

[pissant]

Did you get the vapors, Randfan. You sure “worry” every time someone criticizes Trump. So much so you sprint to your computer to gleefully post the crap here.

[cuz1961]

. It’s about the rules.

/

So, Mike the shiv Johnson and thune the Thug rino’s !

[Bernard]

By now, the Republicans in the Senate should recognize that this is another 80/20 issue; this blue slip thing is another remnant of smoke-filled back rooms. Most people understand the idea of majority rule, but blue slipping is a way to avoid public debate about WHY a Senator does not like a nomination. Do your laundry in public, guys - it’s not like running under-the-table cash through Ukraine.

[spincaster]

The Hill, is all I got to say about this.

[Yogafist]

Really? How many judges has Grassley pushed through without a blue slip?

[Ex-Con777]

> This isn’t about Grassley. It’s about the rules.<

Sue and settle would be a luxurious way for this to play out. Trump sues and Thune settles. “Sorry Chucky, my hands are tied. We’ll put you down as a NO vote. Next”

EC