The Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to “immediately appeal” the decision made by a federal judge stating that President Donald Trump, through New Jersey lawyer Alina Habba, has been appointed “legally.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy shared this update on Thursday via social media.
In reaction to a ruling earlier by US District Judge Matthew W. Blanc, Bondy commented:
Judge Blanc determined that the appointments of Alina Habba were unconstitutional, following objections from two criminal defendants in New Jersey, as reported by various sources.
“The administrator facilitated the appointment of Alina Habba in her role as a US attorney for New Jersey through a progression of legal and administrative actions,” the judge stated.
He further noted, “When asked if Haba is legally performing the duties of the US attorney in New Jersey, I concluded that she is not. Consequently, she needs to be disqualified from ongoing cases, as she is presently ineligible to fulfill the responsibilities of the office with her interim status.”
Habba, who was appointed as the president’s counsel in December, faced challenges in her appointment. She had represented Trump in various matters since March but was replaced in July when a district court judge ruled against her continued role.
Hours after the district court’s decision, Haba was replaced by Digily Grace.
While Trump nominated Haba for a four-year term in July, her confirmation seems unlikely, as two state Democrats, Corey Booker and Andy Kim, have publicly stated they will not support her.
Meanwhile, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R) has not pursued Haba’s nomination, citing discontent from both Haba and Trump, as well as adhering to Senate custom regarding the “blue slip” process.
Grassley himself, re-elected in Iowa, addressed the “blue slip” issue related to the confirmations of qualified judges and attorneys. In a statement, he expressed his frustration regarding Trump’s comments about the process.
In a recent Fox News interview, Haba remarked that Grassley is at a disadvantage due to the ongoing confirmation challenges.
She further shared her dissatisfaction about the situation, describing her efforts to connect with Democratic Senators Booker and Kim as ultimately unproductive.
Haba also labeled Blanc’s decision as “annoying,” while affirming that she will continue to advocate for her position.
“I’m the nominee of the president and Attorney General Pam Bondi. I have been dedicated to serving this country in various capacities for the past few years,” she stated.
Haba concluded with a confident declaration, “Regardless of any attempts to undermine my position, I believe we will prevail.”
