Trump Lawyer Alina Habba Removed as U.S. Attorney \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Trump’s interim appointee Alina Habba has been replaced as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor after 120 days in office. Her term was marked by politically charged prosecutions against Democratic officials and opposition from state senators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Leigh Grace has now assumed the role.
Quick Looks
- Alina Habba’s 120-day term as New Jersey’s U.S. attorney ends.
- President Trump appointed Habba, pending Senate confirmation.
- Democratic senators Booker and Kim opposed her nomination.
- Desiree Leigh Grace named acting U.S. attorney effective immediately.
- Habba’s tenure included failed charges against Mayor Ras Baraka.
- She brought rare assault charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver.
- A probe into Gov. Phil Murphy over immigration policy was launched.
- Critics questioned Habba’s experience and political motivations.
Deep Look
President Donald Trump’s controversial interim appointment of Alina Habba as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor came to an abrupt end Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift in one of the most politically charged U.S. attorney appointments of his second term. Habba’s 120-day tenure — short, but headline-grabbing — ended without judicial renewal or explanation, as Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb designated veteran prosecutor Desiree Leigh Grace as her replacement.
At 41, Habba had risen quickly from legal spokesperson and personal attorney to Trump to White House counselor and interim U.S. attorney, bypassing conventional prosecutorial experience. But her stint in the powerful post was overshadowed by accusations of political targeting, legal missteps, and strong opposition from New Jersey’s Democratic leadership.
A Prosecutor with Political Ties and Controversial Targets
Habba, a former partner at a small firm in Bedminster — not far from Trump’s golf resort — served as one of the former president’s closest legal allies, defending him in court and appearing frequently on conservative media. Her surprise nomination as U.S. attorney for New Jersey raised eyebrows, especially given her limited federal courtroom experience and polarizing public persona.
Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, both Democrats, opposed her permanent confirmation, invoking the unwritten Senate tradition of senatorial courtesy to block her advancement. They questioned her qualifications and accused her of politicizing prosecutions, saying Habba weaponized the justice system against local Democratic officials.
Their concerns were amplified when Habba pursued criminal cases against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver, both Democrats, following their visit to a controversial private immigration detention facility in Newark.
Baraka was arrested on trespassing charges after allegedly attempting to join a congressional delegation’s tour of the facility. The case was later dropped amid widespread criticism. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa called the arrest a “worrisome misstep,” noting the move appeared legally unjustified and politically motivated.
Now, Baraka is suing Habba in her official capacity for “malicious prosecution,” further complicating her legal legacy.
Rare Federal Charges Against a Sitting Congresswoman
The firestorm continued when Habba’s office filed assault charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver, a newly elected congresswoman, based on a video from the May incident. Footage released by DHS showed McIver, surrounded by a dense crowd, pushing her elbows against law enforcement officials while attempting to assist Mayor Baraka.
The indictment — a rare federal criminal case targeting a sitting member of Congress not related to fraud or corruption — further ignited accusations that Habba was using her office to intimidate political opponents under the guise of enforcing immigration law.
Trump’s administration, meanwhile, has intensified efforts to crack down on so-called “sanctuary policies,” with Habba launching investigations into Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over the state’s directive limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
In defending her actions, Habba framed her prosecutions as part of President Trump’s broader “America First” agenda, claiming she was simply upholding the law.
Legal Backlash and Lack of Judicial Support
Ultimately, Habba’s controversial cases and unorthodox background cost her the support she needed to remain in the post. While district court judges have the discretion to extend interim appointments beyond 120 days, Judge Bumb’s order made no mention of reappointment, instead naming longtime Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Leigh Grace to the role.
Grace, who has nearly a decade of federal prosecutorial experience in New Jersey, will serve as acting U.S. attorney until the vacancy is officially filled.
Messages seeking comment from Habba’s office and the Justice Department were not returned.
A Legal Career Fueled by Loyalty, Marred by Inexperience
Before entering public service, Habba was best known for her role as one of Trump’s top legal defenders. She served as counsel in multiple civil cases, including the 2024 defamation lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll, during which Judge Lewis A. Kaplan repeatedly reprimanded Habba for courtroom blunders. Kaplan noted her misstatements of law, procedural mistakes, and disregard for prior rulings — painting a picture of an attorney better suited for media spin than complex federal litigation.
Still, Habba’s prominence in conservative circles made her a rising GOP legal star, and Trump rewarded her with increasingly influential roles. She was briefly a White House counselor before being nominated to lead one of the country’s most powerful prosecutorial offices.
During her brief stint, Habba showcased several notable cases against drug trafficking, including the indictment of 30 alleged fentanyl and crack cocaine dealers in Newark. But those successes were often overshadowed by allegations that her actions were driven more by political alignment than impartial justice.
What’s Next for New Jersey’s Top Federal Prosecutor?
With Habba’s departure, Desiree Grace inherits a U.S. attorney’s office thrust into the national spotlight. Her nearly decade-long experience in federal law enforcement contrasts sharply with Habba’s high-profile but rocky rise. Legal analysts expect Grace to stabilize the office’s image and steer clear of overtly politicized cases.
President Trump’s effort to elevate loyalists like Habba to top legal positions has faced pushback not only in New Jersey but in other states as well, where similar nominations have stalled due to senatorial courtesy and credibility concerns.
Still, Habba remains a prominent figure in Trump’s legal and political orbit, and she could return in another role should Trump further consolidate power during his second term.
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