plowunited.net – A panel of U.S. federal judges in New Jersey has voted to replace Alina Habba, former attorney to Donald Trump, from her role as interim U.S. attorney. Habba, who previously served as Trump’s personal legal representative, had no prior experience in criminal prosecution. President Trump nominated her to the position in March, but the Senate had not yet confirmed her appointment.
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Habba served in an interim capacity for 120 days, which allowed her to carry out prosecutorial duties while awaiting confirmation. The judges made their decision just as her temporary term neared its end. They selected her deputy, seasoned prosecutor Desiree Leigh Grace, to step into the position. Officials provided no formal explanation for removing Habba, but legal experts noted the rarity of judges voting to block an interim federal prosecutor.
Soon after the judges’ decision, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi removed Grace from the role, sparking further tension between the judiciary and the Trump administration. Bondi criticized the judges’ actions as a threat to the executive branch’s authority. The Justice Department has since defended Habba’s nomination, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche calling criticism of her “political noise” and accusing the judges of following a partisan agenda.
Political Tensions Deepen as Habba’s Tenure Sparks Legal and Partisan Clashes
During her short term as interim prosecutor, Habba pursued high-profile investigations and charges that targeted Democratic officials. These included filing assault charges against a Democratic congressman and opening inquiries into New Jersey’s Democratic governor and attorney general. Her actions drew strong objections from the state’s two Democratic senators, who argued she lacked the qualifications and impartiality required for the role.
The timeline of Habba’s tenure remains unclear. Although Trump named her to the post on 24 March, she was officially sworn in four days later, leaving room for dispute over the exact expiration date of her interim term. The decision to replace her underscores a growing trend of judicial resistance to politically appointed prosecutors perceived as partisan. A similar case occurred recently in New York, where judges also voted to block an interim U.S. attorney from remaining in office.
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The conflict highlights the broader tension between the judiciary and executive branches, particularly under Trump’s administration. Critics argue that placing politically loyal attorneys in key legal roles undermines the independence of the justice system. Supporters of Habba say she has acted within her authority and is the target of politically motivated opposition.
With her nomination still pending in the Senate and uncertainty around the interim leadership in New Jersey’s U.S. attorney’s office, the situation remains fluid. Legal analysts suggest the judiciary’s rare move may set a precedent for future disputes over interim federal appointments.
