DOJ Appeals Judge's Ruling Blocking Habba as NJ Prosecutor

The US Department of Justice has appealed a judge's ruling blocking Alina Habba from serving as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. The judge had ruled that Habba, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, is not qualified to perform the job and that her lawful time in office expired on July 1. The appeal was filed on Monday, and Habba has criticized the judge and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley for blocking her appointment. The appeal is pending.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an appeal against a federal judge's ruling that blocked Alina Habba from serving as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. The judge, U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann, had ruled that Habba's appointment was unlawful and that her tenure expired on July 1, 2025 [1]. Habba, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, had been serving in the role despite the expiration of her interim appointment.

The appeal, filed on Monday, challenges the judge's decision, which also disqualified Habba from participating in ongoing cases. The judge's ruling stated that Habba's actions since July 1, 2025, may be declared void, including her approval of indictments [2]. The appeal is pending, and Habba has criticized the judge and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley for blocking her appointment.

The decision by Judge Brann is part of an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and the federal court system. The judge's ruling is currently on hold, pending the outcome of the appeal. The Justice Department and New Jersey's U.S. attorney's office have not yet responded to requests for comment.

References:
[1] https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/alina-habba-us-attorney-new-jersey-ruling-rcna226441
[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/21/trump-us-attorney-alina-habba-disqualified-prosecutor.html