Trump Withdraws Habba Nomination, DOJ Fires New Jersey US Attorney

President Trump withdrew the nomination of Alina Habba, his former defense lawyer and interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, after a federal court panel declined to extend her interim term, instead appointing Desiree Leigh Grace as her replacement. The Trump administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, strongly criticized the judicial decision, accusing the judges of political bias and threatening the president's Article II powers. Bondi removed Grace from the first assistant position shortly after her appointment, affirming the DOJ's stance against what they called 'rogue judges.' The White House expressed full confidence in Habba, praising her leadership and emphasizing their commitment to securing her Senate confirmation. This leadership dispute sparked confusion over who legitimately leads the U.S. attorney's office in New Jersey, highlighting a clash between the judiciary and the executive branch over appointment authority. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions about the balance of power and political influence within federal appointments.