'I'm all in': Alina Habba appointed acting US attorney in New Jersey; Justice Department overrules federal judges' choice
Habba made the announcement via social media that she would remain at the helm.
The announcement follows the Trump administration's decision to withdraw her nomination for the permanent role, a legal technicality that now allows her to serve as acting US attorney for up to 210 more days.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department confirmed the move, while the White House reiterated President Trump's full backing for Habba. "President Trump continues to have full confidence in Alina Habba and her commitment to serve the people of New Jersey," said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields.
The decision ends a tense standoff between Washington officials and federal judges in New Jersey, which had raised confusion within the office about who was legally in charge. Earlier this week, the judges had selected their own candidate, experienced federal prosecutor Desiree Leigh Grace. But shortly after, the justice department fired Grace, accusing the judges of acting politically and reaffirming support for Habba.
Grace, widely respected within the justice department, had posted her willingness to serve, calling it the 'greatest honor' to be chosen on merit. However, Habba's statement the next day left little doubt about who would lead the office.
'I don't cower to pressure. I don't answer to politics. This is a fight for justice. And I'm all in,' Habba wrote on Thursday.
She followed up with a message to staff, 'There has been enough noise the past four months.'
'Let's keep our focus and get back to the important work ahead for the District of New Jersey,' the New York Times cited Habba.
Habba, a former personal lawyer to
Donald Trump
, has no prior prosecutorial experience. Since taking the role in March, she has drawn national attention for launching investigations into prominent Democrats and declaring her ambition to help "turn New Jersey red," a stance that has raised eyebrows given the traditionally nonpartisan nature of the post.
In a further twist, a Justice Department spokesperson confirmed that Habba resigned briefly on Thursday from the interim role and was reclassified as first assistant, a position that previously belonged to Grace, whom Habba herself had appointed as deputy earlier this year.
Grace, a Republican and the first in her family to attend university, made her name as a federal prosecutor tackling gang violence. Her work, including high-profile MS-13 convictions, earned her recognition within the Justice Department. Legal peers, such as Robert Scrivo, praised her dedication and effectiveness. 'I don't know that anyone did it at a higher level,' Scrivo said, as quoted by New York Times.
Despite recent events, Habba had publicly acknowledged Grace's contributions, telling colleagues in May that appointing her deputy had been the best decision of her tenure, a comment met with applause.
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