Trump Administration Defies Judges, Keeps Alina Habba as Acting NJ Federal Prosecutor
Trump Administration Defies Judges, Keeps Alina Habba as Acting NJ Federal Prosecutor
In a contentious move, President Donald Trump’s administration has ensured Alina Habba remains the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey, overriding a panel of judges who had sought to replace her. The decision solidifies the administration’s preference for loyalists in key Justice Department roles.
Habba, whose term as interim U.S. Attorney was set to expire, saw her nomination to the permanent role withdrawn by President Trump on Thursday. This procedural maneuver allows her to transition to Acting U.S. Attorney, securing her position for an additional 210 days, despite federal judges in New Jersey having moved to appoint Desiree Leigh Grace in her place just days prior.
Attorney General Pam Bondi swiftly removed Grace, accusing the judges of being “rogue” and “politically minded.” Habba, a former defense attorney for President Trump, took to social media, declaring, “I don’t cower to pressure. I don’t answer to politics. This is a fight for justice. And I’m all in.”
The resolution avoids what threatened to become a high-profile constitutional clash over the leadership of New Jersey’s federal prosecution office, which handles significant public corruption, violent crime, and organized crime cases. Habba has been a visible and controversial figure, notably pursuing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, and launching an investigation into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin.
Her initial nomination for the permanent role on July 1 had faced significant opposition from New Jersey’s Democratic U.S. Senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, raising questions about her long-term confirmation prospects in the Senate.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.