Judges Tried to Boot Alina Habba, Trump Admin Moves Keep Her in U.S. Attorney Role [WATCH]

Alina Habba will remain in charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey after the Department of Justice intervened to block an effort by federal judges to replace her.

Habba, who was serving as interim U.S. Attorney under a 120-day appointment, will now continue in the role as acting U.S. Attorney for at least 210 additional days.

The move came after a panel of federal judges voted last week to deny the extension of Habba’s interim appointment and attempted to install her deputy, Desiree Leigh Grace, as the new U.S. Attorney upon the expiration of Habba’s term.

🚨 BREAKING: Alina Habba has stepped down as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey — and has been appointed as Acting U.S. Attorney. pic.twitter.com/KXkVQpaoGr

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 24, 2025

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However, Attorney General Pam Bondi rejected the judges’ decision, removed Grace from her position, and reaffirmed the administration’s authority over such appointments.

.@USAttyHabba has been doing a great job in making NJ safe again. Nonetheless, politically minded judges refused to allow her to continue in her position, replacing Alina with the First Assistant.

Accordingly, the First Assistant United States Attorney in New Jersey has just…

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) July 22, 2025

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The Department of Justice confirmed on Thursday that Habba would continue serving in an acting capacity, following the White House’s formal withdrawal of her pending nomination for permanent appointment.

Federal law prohibits a nominated candidate from simultaneously serving as acting U.S. Attorney.

By rescinding the nomination, the administration enabled Habba to extend her service in the role.

Habba announced the update Thursday on social media, stating that she would continue leading the New Jersey office.

“Donald J. Trump is the 47th President. Pam Bondi is the Attorney General. And I am now the Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. I don’t cower to pressure. I don’t answer to politics. This is a fight for justice. And I’m all in,” she posted.

Donald J. Trump is the 47th President.

Pam Bondi is the Attorney General.

And I am now the Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

I don’t cower to pressure. I don’t answer to politics.

This is a fight for justice. And I’m all in. 🇺🇸

— US Attorney Habba (@USAttyHabba) July 24, 2025

A spokesperson for the Justice Department confirmed the sequence of events.

“The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Ms. Habba in order to allow her to continue serving as acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey,” the department said.

White House spokesman Harrison Fields issued a statement expressing continued support for Habba.

“President Trump continues to have full confidence in Alina Habba and her commitment to serve the people of New Jersey,” Fields said.

Habba, who was first appointed by the Trump administration earlier this year to serve as interim U.S. Attorney, had already drawn attention for her handling of several high-profile cases.

Her elevation to acting U.S. Attorney comes as the administration continues to assert control over key Justice Department positions, pushing back against actions taken by the judiciary that officials have described as outside their constitutional role.

Attorney General Bondi defended the administration’s actions in removing Grace, stating that the Justice Department would not abide by decisions made by “rogue judges” attempting to influence executive branch appointments.

Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Habba may now serve in the acting role for an additional 210 days.

The administration may re-nominate her at a later time or select a new candidate to fill the position permanently.

The development is likely to have implications for ongoing federal cases in the district and signals a continued effort by the Trump administration to maintain oversight of U.S. Attorney appointments across the country.