Alina Habba Passed Over for Permanent U.S. Attorney Role in New Jersey
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: Focus on former Trump appointee being denied confirmation, includes criticism of the judiciary from Trump allies, and highlights prosecutions of Democrats by Habba.
Judges Decline to Confirm Trump-Appointed Habba
Federal judges in New Jersey declined on Tuesday to appoint Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, as the permanent U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey. Habba had been serving as acting U.S. attorney since March, when President Trump, upon reassuming office earlier this year, placed her in the role. Her 120-day term expired this week without confirmation from the Senate.
Successor Named by the Judiciary
In a brief court order, the federal district judges announced that Desiree Leigh Grace, the current first assistant U.S. attorney, would take over as U.S. attorney for the district. No further explanation accompanied the announcement. Grace will now assume the role, bypassing the continuation of Habba’s appointment.
White House May Still Pursue Senate Confirmation
Despite the expiration of her interim term, the Trump administration retains the option to nominate Habba for full Senate confirmation. Her potential confirmation remains uncertain amid visible resistance from within the judiciary and lack of bipartisan support.
Habba’s Background and Trump Ties
Habba became a public figure as a legal spokesperson and personal attorney for Donald Trump after he left office in 2021. She has been involved in defending him in various high-profile legal battles.
She was one of at least four Trump-aligned attorneys placed in senior roles during the administration’s second term. Other key appointees include Todd Blanche (now deputy attorney general), Emil Bove, and John Sauer.
Following the judges' decision, Blanche issued a statement on social media defending Habba, saying:
“Alina is President Trump’s choice to lead. No partisan bench can override that.”
Prosecutorial Record During Tenure
During her short tenure as acting U.S. attorney, Habba gained national attention for initiating politically sensitive prosecutions. These included charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, both Democrats. The cases fueled debate over whether her decisions were politically motivated or part of a broader federal crackdown on public corruption.
She also led challenges against the New Jersey State Police regarding its sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Those efforts aligned closely with Trump administration priorities on immigration and law enforcement.
Political Implications
The judiciary’s rejection of Habba’s continuation could become a flashpoint in ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and federal institutions. The move may also set the stage for a broader Senate debate about the politicization of federal appointments, especially in prosecutorial roles.
While Trump continues to place loyalists in key roles, the independent power of federal judges — particularly in confirming interim appointments — remains a legal and constitutional counterweight.
What to Watch Next
Whether the Trump administration formally sends Habba’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
Reactions from Senate Democrats and moderate Republicans on her potential nomination.
The outcome of the pending cases initiated by Habba, especially those against Democratic officials.
How the Department of Justice manages politically sensitive appointments in U.S. attorney offices across the country during Trump’s second term.
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