Federal Judges Remove Alina Habba From New Jersey U.S. Attorney Post

Alina Habba, appointed by President Donald Trump as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, has been blocked from continuing in her role by a panel of federal judges who instead appointed her first assistant, Desiree Leigh Grace. Habba's 120-day interim term expired without Senate confirmation, and the judges invoked a rarely used power to select a replacement, an action that could be reversed by President Trump. Habba's tenure was marked by controversy, including a highly criticized prosecution and subsequent dismissal of charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, leading to a stern reprimand from a federal judge highlighting the duty of federal prosecutors to exercise integrity and diligence. Political figures such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have condemned Habba's appointment, calling her unqualified, while supporters like Trump's civil rights lawyer have defended her. The situation reflects tensions between the judicial branch, the Justice Department under Trump’s close control, and political actors, with the judges' decision signaling a potential showdown over federal prosecutorial leadership in New Jersey. This development has drawn considerable attention on social media and within legal circles, emphasizing the challenges faced by Habba and the impact on ongoing investigations and prosecutions in the district.