Judges Oust Trump Lawyer as Federal Prosecutor
Controversial Appointment Replaced Amid Political Firestorm
A panel of U.S. judges has voted to remove **Alina Habba**, President Trump’s personal attorney, from her interim role as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor. The decision comes amid strong opposition from the state’s Democratic lawmakers and has ignited a fierce dispute with the Trump administration.
Judicial Rejection Stuns Administration
Alina Habba, who previously defended President Trump in multiple legal battles, was appointed to the interim position in March. Her selection lacked any prior experience in criminal law prosecution. The judges’ decision to reject her continuation in the role is considered a rare move by legal experts.
This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges – especially when they threaten the President's core Article II powers. We have had @AlinaHabba removed from the post and she is removed.
— Pam Bondi (@PamBondi) June 7, 2024
The judges opted to replace **Habba** with her deputy, career prosecutor **Desiree Leigh Grace**. However, Attorney General **Pam Bondi** quickly announced that **Grace** had been “removed” from the post, decrying the judges’ actions.
“This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges – especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.”
—Pam Bondi, Attorney General
Trump Administration Defends Habba
US Deputy Attorney General **Todd Blanche** staunchly defended **Habba**, stating she had the backing of President Trump and the Justice Department. He dismissed criticisms as “political noise” and accused the judges of pushing “a left-wing agenda, not the rule of law.”
When judges act like activists, they undermine confidence in our justice. They are pushing a left-wing agenda, not the rule of law. @AlinaHabba was doing a great job as US Attorney for NJ.
— Todd Blanche (@ToddBlanche) June 7, 2024
Habba‘s tenure has been marked by friction with Democrats. She filed assault charges against a Democratic congressman and initiated investigations into the state’s Democratic governor and attorney general.
Timing and Confirmation Confusion
A precise understanding of when **Habba**’s interim term was set to conclude has been subject to some confusion. While named effective March 24, her official swearing-in ceremony occurred four days later on March 28.
New Jersey Senators Oppose Nomination
Both of New Jersey’s senators, who are Democrats, have voiced their opposition to **Habba**’s official nomination. They argue she has pursued “frivolous and politically motivated” prosecutions and failed to meet the necessary standards for the position.
Precedent Set in New York
A comparable situation unfolded in New York last week, where judges also voted to prevent an interim US attorney from continuing in their role. **John Sarcone III** has since departed the position but remains as a “special attorney to the attorney general.” In 2023, roughly 30% of federal judicial nominations faced significant opposition, highlighting the partisan divides in appointments (Source: Congressional Research Service).
