Story perspectives

Trump Pushes to Fast-Track U.S. Attorney Appointments

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to eliminate the "blue slip" process to speed U.S. attorney appointments.
The move follows court rulings upholding the disqualification of several Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys, including New Jersey's Alina Habba.
Legal experts say the administration must choose between temporary attorneys or traditional Senate confirmations, hindered by Democratic opposition.
The Justice Department is appealing the disqualification rulings in multiple districts.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, Senate Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, modified the blue slip process, allowing quicker judicial appointments. This change enabled President Trump to appoint 85 federal judges by 2020, reshaping the judiciary. Trump's recent efforts to eliminate the blue slip process aim to expedite U.S. attorney appointments, potentially altering the balance of power in federal courts amid ongoing partisan tensions.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to eliminate the "blue slip" process to speed U.S. attorney appointments.
The move follows court rulings upholding the disqualification of several Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys, including New Jersey's Alina Habba.
Legal experts say the administration must choose between temporary attorneys or traditional Senate confirmations, hindered by Democratic opposition.
The Justice Department is appealing the disqualification rulings in multiple districts.

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