Alina Haba Challenges New Jersey Judges and Vows to Fight Back

On Thursday, a judge ruled that Alina Haba is unlawfully acting as a US lawyer in New Jersey, a decision emerging after President Donald Trump altered the typical procedures for her appointment.

Judge Matthew Blanc stated that Haba has not been a legitimate US lawyer in New Jersey since July 1. This decision stemmed from a criminal defendant’s challenge to her appointment, which he argued was unconstitutional.

“Confronted with the issue of whether she is legally performing the duties of a US lawyer in New Jersey, I found that she is not,” Blanc mentioned in a detailed 77-page order.

Previously, Haba served as Trump’s personal defense attorney and held the role of an interim US lawyer. However, when her term ended last month, Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondy exploited a loophole to redefine her position as an “actor” instead of an “interim” US lawyer.

District defendant Julian Guillow claimed that this maneuver infringed upon his constitutional rights, citing the unusual steps taken to maintain Haba’s role.

Blanc and other judges appointed by former President Obama shared this view. Blanc’s ruling is critical, especially given its jurisdiction over New Jersey and Pennsylvania, established by the Supreme Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

In a somewhat uncommon move, the New Jersey judge chose not to extend Haba’s term, opting instead for career lawyer Digily Grace. Following this, Trump and Bondi dismissed Grace and later reinstated Haba as a US lawyer.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as events unfold.