DOJ Ignites Controversy, Fires New Jersey US Attorney Amid Judicial Standoff Over Trump Appointee Alina Habba

In a rapid and contentious move, the Department of Justice (DOJ) today fired the newly appointed US Attorney for New Jersey, Desiree Leigh Grace, just hours after federal judges in the state declined to extend the interim appointment of Alina Habba, a key ally of former President Donald Trump.

The swift dismissal, announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi, follows the district court’s decision to elevate Grace, New Jersey’s first assistant US attorney, to replace Habba. Bondi lashed out on X, stating, “Nonetheless, politically minded judges refused to allow her to continue in her position, replacing Alina with the First Assistant. Accordingly, the First Assistant United States Attorney in New Jersey has just been removed. This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.”

The dramatic change-up has plunged the leadership of the state’s top federal prosecutor’s office into immediate confusion. Uncertainty abounds regarding the enforceability of Grace’s removal and whether the district court judges will challenge the DOJ’s action. Further complicating matters is the precise expiration date of Alina Habba’s interim appointment; while Grace’s appointment was set to be effective July 22, 2025, department officials argue Habba’s term doesn’t conclude until Friday.

President Trump appointed Habba on March 24, with her swearing-in on March 28. Interim US attorneys typically serve for 120 days unless confirmed by the Senate or extended indefinitely by the district court. Trump formally nominated Habba for a four-year term on July 1, a nomination still awaiting a vote from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche echoed Bondi’s sentiments on X, accusing the New Jersey district court judges of attempting to prematurely oust Habba. “Their rush reveals what this was always about: a left-wing agenda, not the rule of law. When judges act like activists, they undermine confidence in our justice system. Alina is President Trump’s choice to lead—and no partisan bench can override that,” Blanche posted.

This incident marks the second time a Trump US attorney nominee has faced significant resistance from either district courts or the Senate Judiciary Committee, a rarity in judicial appointments. Habba previously served as a spokesperson and personal attorney for Trump, representing him in his civil fraud trials before being tapped for the US Attorney role after Trump’s re-election.

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