Federal Judges Remove Trump Lawyer Habba New Jersey Prosecutor

A panel of federal judges in New Jersey declined to extend President Trump's appointee Alina Habba's 120-day term as interim U.S. attorney, effectively ending her tenure. Habba, who served as Trump's longtime personal attorney and had been involved in high-profile and politically charged prosecutions, faced opposition from New Jersey's Democratic senators and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who criticized her as unqualified and politically motivated. The judges appointed Desiree Leigh Grace, Habba's first assistant, as interim U.S. attorney following the expiration of Habba's term. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Attorney General Pam Bondi defended Habba, accusing the judges of a left-wing agenda and asserting she had the president's full confidence. The situation highlights tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch, with the Senate yet to confirm Habba's nomination and Democratic senators blocking her confirmation through withholding blue slips. This judicial intervention mirrors a similar recent event in Albany, New York, where judges also refused to extend a Trump appointee's interim term, underscoring the ongoing conflicts over Trump-appointed federal prosecutors.