Trump’s Continued Support for Haba Amid Confusion in NJ US Lawyer Appointment

President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his backing for Alina Haba after a federal judge in New Jersey opted not to extend her position as interim U.S. lawyer, appointing a different prosecutor in her place instead. This twist of events has led to uncertainty surrounding the next interim U.S. lawyer for the New Jersey region, with Haba’s 120-day term ending this week.

A White House spokesperson stated that Trump is advocating for Haba’s permanent appointment. “President Trump is totally confident in Alina Haba, who has made the yard state and nation safer because of her role as U.S. lawyer for New Jersey,” White House spokesman Harrison Fields commented. He added that the administration is eager to secure her confirmation in the Senate, emphasizing the need for strong representation for New Jersey’s citizens.

However, Haba’s confirmation seems stalled, as two New Jersey Democrats, Corey Booker and Andy Kim, are currently blocking her nomination through a Senate procedure known as the “blue slip.” Those familiar with the protocol mentioned that the necessary documentation for her nomination hasn’t reached the Senate yet.

Meanwhile, the convoluted laws governing the filling of federal vacancies have added to the confusion. Trump appointed Haba as interim U.S. lawyer in March, but her term is set to expire soon. According to the Justice Department, a federal judge has the power to either extend or decide on the interim appointment.

New Jersey district court judges, most of whom were appointed by Democratic presidents, convened privately and opted to replace Haba with Digily Grace, marking the first career DOJ prosecutor in the role since 2016.

Attorney General Pam Bondy criticized the decision, contending that the judge overstepped by replacing Haba, thereby undermining Trump’s authority to name a U.S. lawyer. “The politically motivated judge chose not to continue her position and replaced Alina with her assistant,” Bondy stated. She also indicated that Haba would officially be removed from her position in light of these developments.

While inquiries into Grace’s potential comments remain unanswered, an anonymous source noted that Grace was informed via email about her dismissal.

Booker remarked that the firing of court-appointed U.S. lawyers is part of a “pattern” by the DOJ that disregards legal norms. “The dismissal of career civil servants legally appointed by the court is another blatant attempt to intimidate those who disagree with them,” he stated.

Booker is among those questioning Haba’s suitability for the role, highlighting her lack of prosecutorial experience prior to her appointment. Critics claim she has politicized the attorney general’s office, pushing for a transformation of New Jersey into a “red” state.

Despite the pushback, Trump and DOJ officials maintain their support for Haba. The administration previously maneuvered to secure John Salcone’s interim term in Upstate New York, raising questions about whether Haba could be similarly reinstated.

According to Anne Joseph O’Connell, a Stanford Law School professor, there’s a belief that Trump could fire Grace and reappoint Haba for another temporary term. She noted, “The question now is, will they name Haba for the new 120-day interim U.S. lawyer appointment or will they rely on the Vacancy Act to appoint someone else?”