Alina Habba Steps Down as Trump’s Pick for New Jersey U.S. Attorney Amid Court Challenges

Alina Habba has stepped down from her temporary role as Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, following a series of court setbacks that made her permanent appointment untenable. The legal challenges centered on her holding the position temporarily while Trump attempted to secure her confirmation as the official U.S. Attorney.

Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized what she described as “politicized judges” and acknowledged that recent court decisions prevented Habba from continuing to run the office effectively. In a statement on Monday, Bondi said, “I am saddened to accept Alina’s resignation,” while noting that the Justice Department will continue reviewing legal avenues to potentially reinstate her in New Jersey.

Although she resigned from the U.S. Attorney role, Habba will remain within the Department of Justice, taking on the position of Senior Advisor to the Attorney General for U.S. Attorneys. This role will allow her to continue contributing to DOJ operations while staying involved in matters related to U.S. Attorneys nationwide.

President Donald Trump publicly criticized the court rulings and the political dynamics surrounding Habba’s disqualification. Speaking at a White House agriculture roundtable, he argued that even historically respected figures like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln would have been blocked from appointment due to Democratic opposition. Trump also expressed disappointment with Republican lawmakers, claiming that party members allowed the blockade to stand, effectively limiting appointments to candidates who are Democrats or approved by Democratic senators.

The situation highlights ongoing political friction in federal judicial appointments, particularly for U.S. Attorney positions, where the interplay between the executive branch, the courts, and Senate confirmations can significantly impact nominations and temporary appointments. Habba’s continued role as Senior Advisor ensures her expertise remains within the DOJ while the department assesses possible legal pathways to reinstate her in New Jersey.