• Senator Chuck Grassley pushed back after President Trump lashed out on social media over the Senate’s blue-slip tradition. Trump’s frustration with stalled judicial nominations triggered rare public GOP infighting, with Senate Republicans defending institutional norms against executive pressure.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — In a rare and pointed rebuke of President Donald Trump, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the Senate’s longest-serving member and chair of the Judiciary Committee, expressed sharp disappointment after Trump attacked him on Truth Social over his defense of the Senate’s longstanding “blue-slip” tradition for judicial and U.S. attorney nominees.

“Last night, I was surprised to see President Trump on Truth Social go after me and Senate Republicans over what we call the blue slip,” Grassley said in opening remarks at a Judiciary Committee hearing. “I was offended by what the president said, and I’m disappointed it would result in personal insults.”

Grassley’s remarks came hours after Trump reposted multiple Truth Social messages criticizing the Iowa senator, accusing him of enabling Democrats to block Trump-nominated judges and prosecutors. One repost mocked Grassley’s age—91—and tenure in Congress, labeling him a “RINO” and “sneaky.” Another post demanded term limits and called for efforts to “dethrone the kings” of the Senate.

Blue Slips, Broken Ranks

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

At the center of the dust-up is the blue-slip custom—an informal but powerful Senate tradition whereby the Judiciary Committee will not advance district court or U.S. attorney nominees unless both home-state senators return a favorable “blue slip.” While the practice is nonbinding and subject to interpretation by the committee chair, Grassley has historically adhered to it, emphasizing institutional restraint and bipartisanship.

Trump, however, urged Grassley to abandon the tradition in order to push forward nominees opposed by Democrats in states such as Virginia, New Jersey, and California.

“Chuck Grassley… could solve the ‘Blue Slip’ problem… with a mere flick of the pen,” Trump wrote. “Democrats like Schumer, Warner, Kaine, Booker, Schiff… SLEAZEBAGS ALL, have an ironclad stoppage of Great Republican Candidates.”

Grassley rejected that suggestion, defending the Senate’s procedural guardrails and expressing concern that eroding traditions would eventually undermine the rights of all senators, regardless of party.

GOP Senators Close Ranks Around Grassley

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Grassley was not alone in his defense. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a fellow Judiciary Committee member, openly disagreed with the president’s view.

“I do not agree with the president on that,” Kennedy said. “It’s a cherished and very needed Senate tradition.”

Kennedy emphasized that home-state senators are uniquely positioned to evaluate judicial candidates’ fitness for local communities and noted that Republicans themselves benefit from blue-slip authority when Democrats control the White House.

“Particularly for district court judges, senators are much better able to… pick a lawyer from their community that satisfies community standards,” he added.

Tradition Versus Executive Will

The dispute reveals deeper tensions between institutional Republicans and President Trump’s confrontational leadership style. While most Republicans remain aligned with Trump on policy, flashpoints like this highlight the limits of executive influence when it collides with Senate custom and procedural independence.

Grassley’s blue-slip stance is not new. He maintained the tradition during both Democratic and Republican administrations, citing constitutional checks and balances. Trump’s criticism, while stinging, is unlikely to reverse the Judiciary Committee’s direction.

In a chamber where custom often outweighs convenience, will Senate Republicans preserve their traditions—or bow to presidential pressure?

Follow The Dupree Report on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10