Changes in New Jersey U.S. Attorney Position
On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi removed a federal prosecutor who was set to take over as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, a position previously held by Alina Habba. Habba, a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump, had been serving in an interim capacity.
In a statement posted on X, Bondi commended Habba for “doing a great job making New Jersey safe again” but criticized what she called “politically motivated judges” for hindering Habba’s stay in the role.
Desiree Leigh Grace has now been appointed as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, following an order from Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb. The appointment was made under § 546(d), which outlines procedures for filling interim vacancies in such positions.
While the attorney general can appoint anyone to fill the vacancy, this can be modified by a later appointment from the district court. The recent court ruling didn’t allow for the extension of Habba’s interim role, which was originally set for 120 days. She was sworn in on March 28 after her appointment on March 24.
Bondi made it clear that Grace “just been removed” by the DOJ, stating, “The Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.”
An anonymous source informed NBC News that there are plans to possibly reinstate Habba in some capacity, similar to actions taken with the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, although specific details on that process are yet to be decided.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed his concerns on X earlier Tuesday, pointing out that Habba’s term wasn’t officially over until Friday. He suggested that the swift replacement was indicative of a left-leaning agenda rather than a commitment to the rule of law.
During her time in office, Habba was active in media and successfully charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) after a physical incident with law enforcement at an immigration detention facility in Newark back in May, leading to an indictment on three counts, to which McIver pleaded not guilty.
Former President Trump has nominated Habba for permanent appointment to the role, but her nomination has yet to make headway within the Senate Judiciary Committee.
