Alina Habba, known for her staunch support of former President Donald Trump, has been reinstated as the Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey following a tumultuous series of events that saw her brief displacement. This development occurred after the U.S. District Court judges for New Jersey attempted to appoint Desiree Grace as Habba’s successor, only for Attorney General Pam Bondi to step in and reappoint Habba under a legal provision permitting a further 210-day term.
Habba's interim tenure of 120 days as U.S. Attorney was due to conclude this week, prompting the judges to select a new appointee. However, their choice, Desiree Grace, was swiftly removed by Bondi, who then facilitated Habba's return to the position. The Trump administration withdrew Habba’s pending nomination for the permanent role on Thursday, a strategic move that circumvented the typical judicial appointment process and reinstated her without requiring judicial consent.
The New York Times highlighted the strategic timing of the White House's withdrawal of Habba's nomination, a decision that reset the appointment process and enabled the administration to reappoint her autonomously. A White House spokesperson reasserted President Trump's unwavering support for Habba, emphasizing her dedication to serving the citizens of New Jersey.
In a defiant statement, Habba proclaimed, "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." Her remark underscores her commitment to her role, irrespective of the political landscape.
The controversy surrounding Habba's reappointment arose when New Jersey's district judges opted not to prolong her interim service. Attorney General Bondi accused the judiciary of political bias in their attempt to replace Habba and emphasized that the Department of Justice would not condone such behavior, especially when it undermines presidential authority as outlined in Article II of the Constitution.
Before her dismissal and subsequent reinstatement, Habba briefly served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Her close professional relationship with President Trump, including her role as his personal attorney in multiple legal cases, has been viewed by his supporters as a strategic effort to maintain loyal legal leadership within an influential jurisdiction.
