Judges oust Alina Habba as interim U.S. attorney in New Jersey

In the United States, Alina Habba was appointed as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey by President Donald Trump on March 24, 2025. Her initial appointment was intended to last for a period of 120 days, pending either Senate confirmation or an extension from the district court's judges. On July 22, 2025, the state's federal judges convened to decide whether to extend her term. However, they ultimately decided against retaining her, voting to replace her with her first assistant, Desiree Leigh Grace. This decision was revealed in a court order signed by Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb. Furthermore, Habba's contentious time in office included numerous confrontations with significant Democratic figures and criticism regarding her lack of prosecutorial experience, which fueled speculation about her suitability for the position and the nature of her appointments. As an attorney, Habba gained national recognition for her work as a personal lawyer for Donald Trump, particularly during various high-profile legal battles before her appointment as U.S. attorney. Despite efforts from some administration officials and departments, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, to advocate for her continued presence in office, the judges chose to replace her citing the need for an attorney who would enforce the law impartially and effectively. The appointment of Desiree Leigh Grace, who has been serving as a prosecutor in the district since 2016 and was previously Habba's assistant, reflects a preference for more experienced legal leadership as the state faces complex legal challenges. Habba's time in the role also brought her significant criticism, particularly regarding her handling of politically charged cases involving Democratic politicians. In May, she oversaw the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka related to alleged criminal trespassing at a federal immigration facility, although those charges were later dismissed, prompting backlash from various quarters. Her controversial comments about wanting to 'turn New Jersey red' further exacerbated her standing amidst Democratic officials who opposed her continued tenure. Habba’s ongoing relationship with Donald Trump and her role in various civil investigations further complicated public perception of her as a neutral legal authority. The landscape surrounding her appointment and eventual ouster illustrates the tensions in contemporary U.S. political and legal systems, particularly concerning the enforcement of immigration laws and executive appointments influenced by partisan loyalties. Following the judges’ ruling, speculation surrounds Habba’s future career path within the legal landscape that she has navigated. Potential avenues include other appointment roles within the Trump administration or positions that leverage her experiences garnered during her legal career with Trump, even as public opinion remains divided on her qualifications and performance as U.S. attorney.