Trump caught saying a concerning two-word comment as hot mic picks up president’s rant
President Donald Trump expressed frustration this week over the Senate’s “blue slip” tradition, which allows home-state senators to block judicial and U.S. attorney nominees. His comments were caught on a hot mic after a White House roundtable on farm aid.
During the event, Trump announced a $12 million assistance package for farmers affected by trade tensions. The discussion aimed to address industry concerns about tariffs.
After journalists were ushered out, Trump was recorded criticizing the appointment process. “You know, I can’t appoint anybody,” he said, lamenting that his nominees’ terms expire while in limbo.
He specifically targeted the “blue slip” practice, calling it “horrible.” This rule lets a senator from the nominee’s state return a slip disapproving the candidate, often halting the confirmation.
Trump argued the tradition makes it “impossible to appoint a judge or a U.S. attorney,” and criticized Republicans for allowing it to continue. He suggested he may have to repeatedly appoint temporary officials.
His complaints follow a federal appeals court ruling that found one of his previous appointees, Alina Habba, had been serving unlawfully as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. She confirmed her resignation on Monday.
Trump concluded that the situation forces him to keep appointing people on short-term bases, claiming, “We’re losing a lot of great people.” The White House has not provided further comment.
