A federal appeals court has reinstated a prosecutor who had been removed from her position,a move that has drawn sharp criticism from allies of former President Donald Trump and praise from Democratic senators.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that the removal of Jane Grace, a career public servant appointed by the court, was improper. The decision effectively reinstates Grace to her role.
The controversy stems from the appointment of Alina Habba, a lawyer who has represented Trump in several legal battles, as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Habba’s appointment faced opposition from New Jersey’s two Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, who cited concerns about her qualifications and potential for political bias.
In a joint statement, Senators booker and Menendez condemned Grace’s removal, calling it “another blatant attempt to intimidate anyone that doesn’t agree with them and undermine judicial independence.” they emphasized the need for a U.S.Attorney who will “enforce the law without fear or favor, always in pursuit of the public interest and guided by the principles of impartiality and fairness.”
Deputy attorney General Todd Blanche, a supporter of Habba, criticized the judges’ decision, accusing them of “trying to force out” Habba and serving “a left-wing agenda, not the rule of law.” Blanche asserted that “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.”
Habba’s tenure has been marked by several high-profile cases, including charges against Newark Mayor Ras baraka and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver following a protest at an immigration facility. The charges against Baraka were later dropped, and McIver pleaded not guilty.
Habba’s legal career includes serving as counselor to the president and as a lead attorney in several of Trump’s civil cases, including a New York state fraud case and a defamation case brought by E. jean Carroll. In these cases, Trump was found liable for substantial damages.
