Judge’s Ruling on Alina Haba Sparks Controversy

A judge appointed by Obama, who recently ruled on Alina Haba’s status, has a background as a grassroots Republican and is connected with conservative groups like the Federalist Society and the NRA. He is currently not representing the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey.

Haba and Attorney General Pam Bondy criticized U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann, labeling his ruling “fraudulent” or “activist” after he decided that Haba was unlawfully acting as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey due to a “chain of legal and personnel moves.”

“When asked if Haba is legally performing the role of the U.S. attorney in New Jersey, I’ve concluded she’s not,” Brann stated, while also suggesting, “I’m not the one to determine that.”

Bondy publicly challenged this ruling.

“I was chosen by the president,” Haba told Fox News’ “Hannity” on Thursday evening. “I’m the selection of Attorney General Pam Bondi, and I intend to serve this country to the best of my abilities, just as I have over the years.”

“We refuse to let fraudulent judges dictate our path. We will not allow individuals to turn political when their focus should be on fulfilling their roles and respecting the presidency,” she added.

Brann was appointed in 2012, during President Obama’s tenure, but he garnered Republican support as well.

Back then, Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) had recommended Brann for a Pennsylvania-based district judgeship. While Toomey was a conservative Republican, he was also among the seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial.

Brann was confirmed by the Senate, despite concerns from Democrats regarding his strong ties to the Republican Party.

During his confirmation hearing, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) remarked on Brann’s Republican involvement, possibly among the most prominent for a nominee backed by the Obama administration.

Brann provided background information in a standard Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire ahead of his 2012 confirmation.

A New York native, Brann graduated from Notre Dame and obtained his law degree from Penn State University in 1990. He has served in various capacities, including writing for Nixon and working for Judge John Hanaman, alongside many years on the Pennsylvania GOP’s Judicial Assessment Panel.

He had also disclosed that he was chairman of the Northeastern Republican Party for several years and had participated in numerous GOP advocacy events. In his words, “Upon completing law school, I was drawn to Republican politics and adopted a conservative perspective.”