A federal judge delivered a significant blow to the Trump administration Thursday, ruling that Alina Habba is unlawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
The decision marks the latest chapter in an ongoing legal battle over the president’s attempt to maintain his ally in a powerful prosecutorial position.
Judge Matthew Brann of the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued the ruling after examining the complex legal maneuvering that returned Habba to her role.
The Obama-appointed judge concluded that President Trump’s strategy to circumvent judicial opposition was illegal under federal law.
The controversy began in July when Habba’s 120-day interim appointment expired, Resist the Mainstream previously reported.
A panel of judges, predominantly appointed by Democratic presidents, refused to extend her temporary tenure while she awaited Senate confirmation for the permanent position.
The judicial panel instead installed Desiree Leigh Grace, who had been serving as first assistant prosecutor under Habba.
This decision represented a direct rebuke to the Trump administration’s choice for the high-profile prosecutorial role.
President Trump responded swiftly to the judicial intervention.
He withdrew Habba’s nomination from the permanent position and instead appointed her as first assistant U.S. attorney, creating what appeared to be a legal workaround.
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