US Attorney in New Jersey Faces Removal Amid Controversy Over Partisan Politics

US Attorney General Pam Bondi removed US Attorney Alina Habba from New Jersey after judges declined to extend her tenure. Habba's four-month tenure was marked by controversy, and judges appointed First Assistant US Attorney Desiree Grace as interim head of the office. Bondi accused judges of being "politically minded" and trying to force Habba out. The Trump administration may still find a way to keep Habba involved, such as naming her as a special attorney.

Tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary escalated this week when Attorney General Pam Bondi removed US Attorney Alina Habba from New Jersey following judges' refusal to extend her tenure. The move came after a panel of federal judges declined to extend Habba's four-month interim appointment, marking the latest in a series of high-profile clashes between the Trump administration and the judicial branch [1].

Habba, a former Trump personal lawyer, was appointed by the president in March to serve as the US attorney for New Jersey. Her appointment was met with controversy due to her politically charged prosecutions, including cases against Democratic lawmakers such as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and US Representative LaMonica McIver [2]. Despite her brief tenure, Habba's actions sparked criticism and raised questions about her suitability for the role.

The judges' decision to appoint First Assistant US Attorney Desiree Grace as the interim head of the office was swiftly condemned by the Trump administration. Bondi accused the judges of being "politically minded" and attempting to force Habba out of her position. The White House has not ruled out naming Habba as a special attorney or finding other ways to keep her involved in the office [1].

The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and judicial branches over the appointment and retention of US attorneys. The Trump administration has faced similar challenges in other districts, with judges declining to extend the terms of interim US attorneys appointed by the administration [1].

While the current episode in New Jersey remains unresolved, it underscores the broader political and legal dynamics at play in the appointment of federal prosecutors. The situation is likely to continue to evolve, with potential implications for the administration's ability to influence the prosecution of high-profile cases and the broader political landscape in the state.

References:
[1] https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/bondi-ups-clash-with-judges-over-us-attorney-habba-in-new-jersey
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/22/judges-reject-trump-lawyer-alina-habbas-bid-to-serve-as-federal-prosecutor