DOJ fires US attorney for New Jersey after state picks her over former Trump lawyer Alina Habba

The Department of Justice made headlines on Tuesday when it announced the firing of Desiree Leigh Grace as the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. This decision came shortly after federal judges in the state chose Grace over President Donald Trump’s pick, Alina Habba.

The move to dismiss Grace came after federal judges in New Jersey decided not to appoint Trump’s former personal attorney, Habba, as the state’s top federal prosecutor on a permanent basis. Trump had appointed Habba as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey in March, but her nomination was not confirmed by the Senate within the 120-day timeframe.

Attorney General Pam Bondi took to social media to explain the decision, stating that the Justice Department does not tolerate rogue judges who threaten the President’s core Article II powers. Grace, who previously served as Habba’s first assistant, was elevated to the top job by the district judges, leading to Habba’s removal from the position.

Habba, known for her role as Trump’s legal spokesperson in various cases after he left the White House, was one of several defense attorneys named to posts in the Trump administration when he reassumed the presidency. Despite the judges’ decision to appoint Grace, deputy attorney general Todd Blanche voiced his support for Habba, emphasizing that she was Trump’s choice to lead the office.

During her time as acting U.S. attorney, Habba made waves by pursuing politically charged cases, including prosecutions against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, both Democrats. She also took on the New Jersey State Police over sanctuary policies related to immigration enforcement.

The situation surrounding the appointment of the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey remains contentious, with questions lingering about the Justice Department’s stance on the authority of district judges in such appointments. As the story continues to unfold, it is clear that the battle for leadership in the state’s federal prosecutor’s office is far from over.