Trump Administration Backs Former Attorney Alina Habba for New Jersey Prosecutor Role

Justice Department Battles Judiciary to Keep Alina Habba as New Jersey’s Top Federal Prosecutor.

The Justice Department on Tuesday clashed with the federal judiciary over the future of Alina Habba, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. The department moved swiftly to reverse a judicial order replacing Habba, escalating a political and legal standoff.

Habba, appointed interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey in March, was effectively ousted earlier in the day after a panel of judges declined to extend her tenure beyond the 120-day limit set under federal law. The judges named Desiree Leigh Grace, a long-serving federal prosecutor in the district, as her replacement.

But in a dramatic counter, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced just hours later that Grace had been removed, accusing the judges of playing politics. “This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges,” Bondi posted on social media, calling the panel’s move a “disrespect to executive authority.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also weighed in, insisting Habba’s 120-day interim term was valid until 11:59 p.m. Friday. The Justice Department’s actions signal its determination to retain Habba while the White House pushes to secure Senate confirmation.

White House Doubles Down Amid Opposition
A White House spokesperson said Trump has “full confidence” in Habba and will continue pressing for her confirmation, despite resistance from New Jersey’s two Democratic senators—Cory Booker and Andy Kim—who are expected to block her nomination using the Senate’s “blue slip” tradition, a courtesy allowing home-state senators to veto judicial or U.S. attorney nominees.

Habba’s formal nomination was submitted on July 1. She previously served as a senior adviser to Trump’s political operation and as his attorney in high-profile legal battles, including the defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll.

A Controversial Tenure
In her four-month stint, Habba’s office initiated politically charged prosecutions that drew national attention. She clashed with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver over their actions during a tense congressional visit to a private immigration detention center in Newark.

Baraka was arrested for trespassing but had the charge dropped. A federal judge later criticized Habba’s office for what he called a “worrisome misstep.” Baraka has since filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit against her.

Habba also filed assault charges against McIver—one of the few federal prosecutions of a sitting member of Congress not involving corruption. That case is ongoing. McIver denies wrongdoing.

Separately, Habba launched an investigation into New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over their policy limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities—further straining ties with the Democratic leadership in the state.

While her office also pursued large drug trafficking cases, including indictments of 30 individuals in a Newark fentanyl and crack ring, critics say her focus has been partisan.

Questions Over Qualifications
Habba’s background has raised concerns in legal circles. Unlike most U.S. attorneys, she lacks experience as a federal prosecutor and has primarily practiced in state courts. During Trump’s 2024 legal battles, she often appeared on cable news as his legal surrogate but drew criticism from judges for procedural errors and legal misstatements.

Still, Habba has said her mission is to advance Trump’s “America First” agenda.

The standoff in New Jersey is part of a broader pattern of Trump-era DOJ appointments encountering resistance in blue states. Whether Habba ultimately remains in office now depends on an intensifying legal fight—and a political gamble on Senate dynamics.