Story perspectives

Trump Struggles to Appoint Prosecutors Amid Blue Slip Challenges

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces challenges appointing federal prosecutors in states with Democratic senators because of the blue slip.
The blue slip lets home-state senators veto nominees, giving Democrats leverage.
Only two of the 18 U.S. attorneys confirmed during Trump's second term serve in Democratic states.
Trump's attempts to bypass the blue slip have drawn court pushback because Senate Republicans led by Senator Charles E. Grassley resist changing the practice.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces challenges appointing federal prosecutors in states with Democratic senators because of the blue slip.
The blue slip lets home-state senators veto nominees, giving Democrats leverage.
Only two of the 18 U.S. attorneys confirmed during Trump's second term serve in Democratic states.
Trump's attempts to bypass the blue slip have drawn court pushback because Senate Republicans led by Senator Charles E. Grassley resist changing the practice.