Habba officially took on the temporary role for three months in March. Getty Images
A group of 17 federal judges in New Jersey voted to replace Alina Habba, who had been serving as the state’s top federal prosecutor on an interim basis. Former President Donald Trump had chosen her for the position back in March. However, her time in office stirred up strong reactions, especially from Democrats.
Habba's Background Sparks Debate
Habba had no experience as a criminal prosecutor before her appointment. She is best known as Trump's personal lawyer, having represented him in multiple legal battles. Her lack of courtroom prosecution experience raised concerns, especially among Democratic leaders.
Despite these concerns, Trump officially nominated her for the job. However, the Senate has not yet voted on her confirmation. Until then, she was allowed to serve in the role for 120 days.
Judges Choose Career Prosecutor
Just as her interim term was nearing its end, the judges voted to appoint someone else. They selected Desiree Leigh Grace, a deputy under Habba and a longtime prosecutor, to take over.
No official explanation was given for the change. Still, the decision was highly unusual. Legal experts say judges rarely step in to reject someone serving in an acting role.
Pushback from Trump Allies
Soon after the judges’ decision, Attorney General Pam Bondi removed Grace from the post. She accused the judges of overstepping their powers.
“This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges,” Bondi wrote online. She claimed their actions threatened the president’s powers under the U.S. Constitution.
Habba had already faced political heat. During her short time in office, she filed charges against a Democratic lawmaker. She also launched investigations into New Jersey’s Democratic governor and attorney general.
Ongoing Political Tensions
Trump’s Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, stood firmly behind Habba. He brushed off criticism of her performance as “political noise.”
After the judges’ vote, Blanche again spoke out. He posted online that the judges were promoting “a left-wing agenda.” He warned that such actions hurt public trust in the justice system.
Confusion Over Habba's Term End
There’s also confusion over the exact date Habba’s term ends. Trump appointed her on March 24, but she officially took her oath on March 28 in the Oval Office. That small gap raised questions about whether her 120-day term ends on July 22 or July 26.
New Jersey’s two Democratic senators have strongly opposed Habba’s nomination. They argue her actions were politically driven and that she doesn’t meet the required standards for the position.
Similar Case in New York
Just last week, a similar event took place in New York. Judges there voted to replace their interim federal prosecutor. That attorney, John Sarcone III, has now taken a different role as a special advisor to the attorney general.
