New Jersey's top prosecutor steps down after court disqualifies her service.
Alina Habba has resigned as the US Attorney for New Jersey. This decision was prompted by a judicial decision that challenged her legal standing to serve.
Attorney General's Statement
The head of the Justice Department, Pam Bondi, confirmed her stepping down on the start of the week. She commented that the court's "flawed" ruling made it unworkable for the official to perform her duties.
"Let no one confuse adherence to the ruling as defeat," she wrote. "This battle will now stretch across America."
Judicial Challenge
Habba's exit was triggered by a federal appellate panel found that she had been unlawfully serving as the federal prosecutor. This decision is could influence numerous prosecutions in the state.
The court ruled that a acting appointment that skirted Senate approval breached the statute on vacant positions.
Ongoing Legal Battle
It was also stated that the former prosecutor will continue working within the justice department as a senior adviser. Habba plans to challenge the decision of the disqualification, with hopes of a reversal.
In a statement, Bondi argued that the court "cannot be permitted to countermand the appointment of prosecutors responsible for performing the primary duty of the administration of criminal prosecution."
Performance in Office
She commended the prosecutor's work and said that under her leadership, the Newark saw a one-fifth decrease in crime. Additionally that the Camden had its first summer in 50 years without a homicide.
Connection to Donald Trump
Habba, first joined the former president's legal defense in recent years. She later represented her client in his business records case in 2024, leading to his guilty verdict on dozens of charges of document fraud.
Earlier, assuming the role of US Attorney, the former president had stated he was selecting her as his presidential counsellor during his second administration, labeling her as a steadfast ally and a dedicated fighter for justice.
