• President Donald Trump attacked Sen. Chuck Grassley over the Senate’s “blue slip” rule, sparking GOP backlash.
• Grassley defended the long-standing Senate tradition, saying he was offended by Trump’s remarks.
• Republican senators publicly rallied around Grassley, warning Trump the rule protects both parties.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — President Donald Trump ignited a rare wave of public criticism from Republican senators this week after attacking Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) over the chamber’s long-standing “blue slip” rule, a procedural tradition allowing home-state senators to block judicial nominees.

Trump Targets Grassley Over Habba

The controversy began after Trump’s former attorney, Alina Habba, was blocked by New Jersey’s Democratic senators from serving as U.S. attorney in her state. Frustrated, Trump took to Truth Social late Sunday night, claiming Grassley had stripped him of his constitutional power to appoint judges.

“I have a Constitutional Right to appoint Judges and U.S. Attorneys, but that RIGHT has been completely taken away from me in States that have just one Democrat United States Senator,” Trump wrote. “This is because of an old and outdated ‘custom’ known as a BLUE SLIP, that Senator Chuck Grassley, of the Great State of Iowa, refuses to overturn, even though the Democrats, including Crooked Joe Biden (Twice!), have done so on numerous occasions.”

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

Habba echoed Trump’s anger, calling the blue slip tradition a barrier that “effectively prevents anybody in a blue state from going through into the Senate to then be voted on.”

Grassley and GOP Push Back

Grassley, who previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, defended the rule and rebuked Trump’s tone. “I was offended by what the President said. And I’m disappointed that it would result in personal insults,” Grassley said late last month after a similar tirade from Trump.

This week, GOP colleagues rallied to his defense. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who is retiring after repeated clashes with Trump, called the attacks misguided. “Chuck is beloved in our conference. The blue-slip policy helps the president. He’s got staff giving him bad advice,” Tillis told The Hill.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) labeled Trump’s comments “unnecessary.” She said Grassley has been “a great team player” and reiterated her support for the blue slip process.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Even close Trump allies broke with the president. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), a frequent defender of Trump, stressed the importance of maintaining Senate norms. “With respect, Mr. President, pretty please, with sugar on top, back off this, because I don’t think the Senate’s going to go along, and I think it’s just a needless fight.”

MAGA Allies Break Ranks

Perhaps most striking was the response from MAGA Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who argued that the blue slip is worth preserving. “It happens on both sides. We were able to block some bad judges last time with a blue slip,” Tuberville said. “It is what it is — it’s why the Senate works.”

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) also sided with Grassley, saying the rule has long been respected by both parties. “I think the blue slip process is something that’s been used for a long time by both sides, and neither side has violated its usage in the past. I don’t think there’s any strong interest in changing that up here.”

Larger Implications

The dispute underscores the challenges Trump faces in balancing his push for loyalty with institutional norms long defended by Senate Republicans. The “blue slip” tradition, while often frustrating to presidents of both parties, has survived repeated attempts at elimination because senators value their influence over judicial picks in their states.

Political analysts suggest the incident reveals Trump’s strained relationship with veteran Republicans like Grassley, whose seniority and credibility make him difficult to attack. Moreover, the backlash highlights GOP unease with Trump’s combative style when it collides with Senate traditions.

As one strategist noted in Politico, “Trump’s demand for total loyalty sometimes forces Republicans to choose between him and the institution they serve. In this case, the Senate will always defend itself.”

Will Trump’s pressure campaign fracture GOP unity, or will Grassley’s defense of Senate tradition prove unshakable?

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