New Jersey U.S. Attorney Fired Amidst Controversy Over Trump Appointee
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Washington D.C. – Philip R. Sellinger, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, has been removed from his position, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from New Jersey’s Democratic senators. The firing comes as former President Donald Trump has sought to install his appointee, Alina Habba, in the role, a nomination facing important hurdles in the Senate.
Background and Political Maneuvering
Philip R. Sellinger, a career public servant, was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey by the district Judges for the District of New Jersey. He stated that his selection was based on merit and that he was prepared to serve in accordance with the law.
However,Donald trump has nominated Alina Habba for the permanent,four-year term as U.S. Attorney for the district of New Jersey. This position requires senate confirmation, and Habba’s path to approval is currently blocked. New Jersey’s Democratic Senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, are withholding their support through the Senate’s “blue slip” tradition. A source familiar with the matter indicated that the Trump administration has not submitted any vetting materials for Habba’s nomination to the Senate.
Senatorial Condemnation
Following Sellinger’s dismissal, Senator Cory Booker issued a statement condemning the action. “The firing of a career public servant, lawfully appointed by the court, is another blatant attempt to intimidate anyone that doesn’t agree with them and undermine judicial independence,” Booker stated on social media. “This Administration may not like the law, but they are not above it.”
