Justice Department Upholds Habba as New Jersey U.S. Attorney Despite Judges’ Removal Vote

Alina Habba, appointed by President Trump as interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, remains in her position despite efforts by a majority of Democratic-appointed district judges to remove her after her 120-day term expired without Senate confirmation. The judges appointed her subordinate, Desiree Leigh Grace, as her replacement, but Attorney General Pam Bondi swiftly fired Grace and condemned the judges as "rogue" and politically motivated, asserting that the Department of Justice will not tolerate judicial interference with presidential appointments. The White House continues to support Habba and is pushing for her Senate confirmation, despite opposition from New Jersey's Democratic senators. Habba, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney, gained notoriety for pursuing politically charged cases against prominent New Jersey Democrats and challenging sanctuary city policies, earning praise from Trump and criticism from Democrats. This unprecedented clash between the executive branch and the federal judiciary highlights tensions over the appointment powers and the politicization of the U.S. attorney position. It remains unclear whether the judges have authority to enforce their appointment over the Department of Justice's position.