A simmering frustration is building within President Trump’s orbit, fueled by roadblocks hindering his selections for key U.S. attorney positions in states led by Democrats. The blame, however, is misdirected when leveled at Senator Chuck Grassley, a steadfast and surprisingly effective ally.
Grassley isn’t a flamboyant figure seeking headlines. He’s a seasoned legislator, a relentless investigator, and a quiet force within the Senate. He consistently delivers victories for the President and the “MAGA” agenda, often operating behind the scenes with remarkable efficiency.
Consider the Supreme Court. Three justices appointed by President Trump owe their positions, in large part, to Grassley’s leadership as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He skillfully blocked President Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, paving the way for Justice Gorsuch. He then expertly navigated the contentious confirmation of Justice Kavanaugh, dismantling attacks and securing his place on the court.
Grassley has been instrumental in uncovering what many believe is a politically motivated campaign against the President. He brought to light “Arctic Frost,” the alleged effort by Special Counsel Jack Smith and the FBI to pursue legal action against Trump and his supporters, even for minor offenses.
Whistleblowers within the FBI, seeking a trustworthy voice, turned to Grassley. He revealed that the Biden Justice Department had been scrutinizing Republican members of Congress and hundreds of Trump supporters, including prominent figures within the former administration.
His record on confirmations is equally impressive. Grassley is currently processing judicial nominees at a faster rate than during Trump’s first term as president. He successfully secured the confirmation of Judge Emil Bove, shifting the Third Circuit Court to a Republican majority, and championed the appointments of key Justice Department leaders.
The substantial funding secured for border security in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” also bears Grassley’s imprint. He authored the critical provisions that allocated resources to strengthen the border and prosecute criminal activity.
Despite this remarkable record, some are criticizing Grassley over the stalled confirmations of certain U.S. attorney nominees – individuals like Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan – due to the archaic “blue slip” rule. This rule allows senators to effectively veto a nominee from their state.
The assumption that Grassley could simply override this rule with a gavel strike is a misunderstanding of the Senate’s dynamics. He requires votes to advance nominees, and currently, those votes aren’t available without adhering to the blue slip process.
Senators Tillis and Kennedy have publicly stated their opposition to confirming nominees without blue slips, effectively creating an impasse. This isn’t a matter of Grassley’s willingness, but a simple calculation of the votes needed for success.
The blue slip rule is a tool both parties utilize to maintain influence over judicial appointments within their states. Republicans previously employed it to block President Biden’s nominees, and now, it’s allowing Trump to fill seats previously held open by Republican opposition.
While the blue slip rule is undesirable, it’s a reality Grassley understands. Having previously eliminated the rule for circuit court judges – whose jurisdictions span multiple states – he recognizes the current limitations. He’s a pragmatist who operates within the constraints of the Senate.
The President’s frustration is understandable, and a desire to dismantle the blue slip is justified. However, achieving this requires building a coalition of support, securing commitments from at least 50 Republican senators to vote for nominees without blue slips.
Grassley is actively working to advance the President’s agenda, and his judgment should be trusted. He’s a dedicated workhorse, consistently delivering results, and has proven to be the President’s most valuable ally in the Senate.
