TRUMP’S LAWYER IN, OUT, AND BACK AGAIN? DOJ BATTLES JERSEY JUDGES TO REINSTATE ALINA HABBA

The Justice Department is fighting to retain Alina Habba, a former attorney for Donald Trump, as interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey—despite a decision by federal judges to replace her.

On Tuesday, district judges declined to extend Habba’s interim tenure, citing the 120-day legal limit for such appointments. They selected her deputy, Desiree Leigh Grace, a seasoned federal prosecutor, to take her place.

However, just hours later, Attorney General Pam Bondi intervened, removing Grace from the post and accusing the judges of political bias. Deputy AG Todd Blanche claimed Habba’s appointment remains valid until Friday at 11:59 p.m.

Habba was initially appointed in March and formally nominated by Trump on July 1. Her confirmation is currently stalled due to opposition from New Jersey’s Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, who accuse her of pursuing politically motivated prosecutions. Both senators have invoked “senatorial courtesy” to block her appointment.

During her brief time in office, Habba made headlines for a series of high-profile and controversial actions, including:

• Arresting Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (charges were later dropped; Baraka is now suing for malicious prosecution).
• Prosecuting Rep. LaMonica McIver for assault during Baraka’s arrest (case pending).
• Launching investigations into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over immigration enforcement policies.
• Leading a wave of drug trafficking prosecutions in Newark.

Critics point to Habba’s limited experience in federal court and her missteps during the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, where she represented Trump. Supporters, however, praise her aggressive approach to public corruption and drug crime.

The judges did not provide a written explanation for selecting Grace, who has served nearly nine years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.