A federal judge ruled on Thursday that Alina Haba, who previously served as President Trump’s personal attorney, was serving unlawfully as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey.
US District Judge Matthew Blanc noted that the Trump administration had engaged in a series of legal and personnel maneuvers that led to Haba’s position. He stated that these moves created conflicts with the district court judges and criminal defendants, raising questions about who should effectively lead the office.
In his ruling, Blanc addressed whether Haba was legally fulfilling her role, concluding that she was not. He referenced a case where two defendants in New Jersey argued that Haba lacked the authority to pursue their federal drug trafficking charges after the previous interim U.S. attorneys departed last month.
Blanc determined that Haba had been acting unlawfully since July 24th and delayed enforcing his decision pending an appeal.
Following the end of Haba’s interim role, a New Jersey federal judge opted not to extend her position. Instead, they exercised a rarely used power to appoint attorney Digily Lee Grace, who was Haba’s assistant.
Attorney General Pam Bondy criticized the judge, alleging political motivations behind the decision to fire Haba and appoint Grace.
Despite the controversy, Grace stated she plans to work under both Republican and Democrat administrations, asserting that politics would not interfere with her role. However, Trump later named Haba as the U.S. attorney in New Jersey.
Blanc ruled that this evasion was ineffective, declaring, “On July 24, 2025, I determined that Haba could not perform the duties of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey.” He pointed out that because of former U.S. Attorney Philip Sellers’ resignation on January 8, 2025, Haba was not authorized to act as a representative prosecutor for the United States.
During her brief time as U.S. attorney, Haba was involved in high-profile cases, including two Democrat officials who faced criminal charges under her supervision. Her confirmation is now facing strong opposition from New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Democrat Andy Kim.
An attorney for one of the accused, Cesar Pina, stated that Haba’s authority was in question, arguing that her appointment violated rules that establish the legitimacy of U.S. attorneys. He emphasized that prosecutors wield significant power, highlighting the need for them to be properly qualified and appointed.
The Hill has reached out to Haba’s office for comments.
