Officials from the Justice Department announced on Tuesday that Alina Haba, an aide to Trump who was appointed president for New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor position, has been “removed” after a federal judge declined to extend her interim tenure.
Attorney General Pam Bondy noted that the first assistant to Haba, Attorney General Digily Lee Grace, would take over the office following the end of Haba’s temporary 120-day term.
Bondy praised Haba for her efforts to “make NJ safe again,” but criticized the “politically motivated judge” who wouldn’t allow her to stay in the role.
“Consequently, the first assistant U.S. attorney in New Jersey has just been dismissed,” Bondy stated. “This Department of Justice does not tolerate dubious judges, especially those undermining the President’s core Article II powers.”
There’s a bit of ambiguity around what “removed” really entails—does it mean Grace has lost her initial assistant role or been ousted from the office entirely? Requests for clarification from the Justice Department remain unanswered.
Furthermore, it’s unclear if Grace’s removal affects her chances of becoming the U.S. attorney in New Jersey. A link was given referencing her appointment; however, questions linger on whether a judge can enforce an appointment for a permanent successor to Haba, or if only Trump has the authority to make that change.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche asserted that the court’s decision highlights the political nature of the situation rather than a legal one.
“They expelled President Trump’s choice, @usattyhabba, and collaborated with NJ Senators to set up her replacement. That doesn’t bode well,” Blanche remarked, referencing opposition from Senators Corey Booker and Andy Kim.
“Under the President’s authority, we removed the proxy swiftly,” he continued. “This behind-the-scenes maneuvering won’t overshadow the CEO’s authority.”
Haba took the role of top federal prosecutor in New Jersey in March, following her work as a presidential adviser at the White House. She had previously served as Trump’s legal spokesperson and senior advisor during his campaign.
Her profile rose during high-profile civil cases, notably defending Trump in a business fraud lawsuit and the sexual assault accusations made by columnist E. Jean Carroll, where she established herself as a strong advocate for the president.
However, her actions as a U.S. attorney led to scrutiny, including legal issues involving Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. Ramonica McQuiver, who faced various charges related to federal law enforcement. While the trespass charges against Baraka were dropped, McQuiver continues to contest multiple allegations, and Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Haba for damages related to his arrest.
