President Donald Trump’s frustration with Senate gridlock exploded into public view recently, caught on a hot mic as he ripped into Republicans for failing to clear the path for his U.S. attorney picks, as Newsweek reports.

This fiery outburst at a White House event, now viral on X, centers on the contentious "blue slip" tradition and the messy resignation of Trump’s former lawyer Alina Habba as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey amid legal challenges.

Let’s rewind to March, when Habba was tapped for a temporary stint as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Her appointment, meant to be short-term, quickly hit a wall with opposition from New Jersey’s Democrat Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim.

Blue Slip Tradition Sparks Controversy

Under the Senate’s longstanding blue slip custom, home-state senators can effectively veto federal judicial and prosecutorial nominations in their backyard. For Habba, this meant a dead end, as both Booker and Kim signaled they’d block her confirmation, citing her limited experience in federal prosecution.

By July, Habba’s temporary term expired, and a panel of federal judges appointed a deputy to replace her. But Attorney General Pam Bondi stepped in, firing the replacement and reinstalling Habba, a move that only deepened the chaos.

Legal battles ensued, with a district court ruling Habba was serving unlawfully, gumming up New Jersey’s federal court system. Earlier this month, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia put the final nail in the coffin, disqualifying her and stressing the need for stability in the state’s legal operations.

Trump’s Hot Mic Moment Shocks

Trump didn’t mince words when his unguarded comments were captured as press exited the White House event. "You’ve got a blue slip thing that’s horrible... It makes it impossible to appoint a judge or a U.S. attorney," he fumed, pointing the finger at Republicans for letting this arcane rule persist (Donald Trump).

"And the Republicans should be ashamed of themselves that they allow this to go on," Trump continued, doubling down on his frustration with the party’s inaction (Donald Trump). It’s a sharp jab, and frankly, he’s got a point -- why cling to a courtesy that’s become a partisan weapon?

Critics of the blue slip process argue it’s a relic, designed for local input but now wielded as a tool for obstruction. When one senator can tank a nominee, it’s no wonder Trump’s team is stuck in limbo.

Legal Limbo and Senate Standoff

Habba’s case isn’t isolated; she’s one of several acting U.S. attorneys challenged for overstaying legal limits in temporary roles. After her disqualification, she’s shifted to a senior adviser role under Bondi, but the vacancy mess lingers.

The 3rd Circuit’s opinion was clear: "the citizens of New Jersey and the loyal employees in the U.S. Attorney’s Office deserve some clarity and stability." That’s a polite way of saying this political tug-of-war is hurting real people and real cases.

Trump has called on Senate Judiciary Committee chair Chuck Grassley to scrap the blue slip rule entirely, arguing it handcuffs his ability to install top talent. But is this just another tradition conservatives should defend, or a roadblock to effective governance?

Will Blue Slip Survive the Fight?

Clare Slattery, spokesperson for the Senate Judiciary Committee, threw cold water on quick fixes, noting that nominees without blue slip approval lack the votes to clear the committee or the Senate floor. She also hinted that the courts, possibly even the Supreme Court, might have to untangle the mess tied to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

Meanwhile, voices on X like South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace and Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett echoed Trump’s frustration with GOP inaction, with Burchett bluntly calling the party “gutless.” It’s a rare moment of unity, but will it spur change?

For now, the blue slip tradition stands, and Trump’s nominees remain in a frustrating holding pattern. The question isn’t just about Habba or New Jersey -- it’s whether the Senate will keep playing by rules that seem custom-made for gridlock. If Republicans want to deliver on promises of strong leadership, they might need to rethink this outdated courtesy before more talent slips away.