Washington DC, Aug 22 (HS): A federal judge has raised sharp questions over former President Donald Trump’s close ally and ex-personal lawyer Alina Habba’s authority to serve as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
Judge Matthew W. Brann of the Middle District of Pennsylvania ruled Thursday that Habba had been functioning in the powerful prosecutorial role without any legitimate legal authority. The challenge, brought by fellow attorneys, centered on whether Habba—known as a loyal defender of Trump—could lawfully run the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office. The ruling could potentially set limits on the president’s power to handpick top federal prosecutors.
According to The New York Times, Judge Brann warned that Habba’s actions had further destabilized an already strained federal judicial system in the state. “Is Ms. Habba lawfully discharging the duties of United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey? I conclude that she is not,” Brann wrote in his opinion.
While declaring her ineligible to participate in any ongoing cases, Judge Brann delayed the practical implementation of his decision, allowing the Justice Department to pursue an appeal. Legal analysts described the ruling as a significant rebuke to the administration.
Habba, 41, was appointed interim U.S. Attorney in March for a 120-day period. Although Trump later nominated her permanently, both New Jersey senators signaled opposition, and a federal judicial panel subsequently declined to extend her tenure. Instead, veteran prosecutor Desiree L. Grace assumed the role.
But in a dramatic turn, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly criticized the panel, dismissed Grace, and maneuvered to install Habba as Acting U.S. Attorney—prompting immediate legal challenges.
Prominent attorneys Gerald Krovatin and Abbe D. Lowell, who filed the challenges, welcomed Judge Brann’s ruling. In a joint statement, they said: “Prosecutors wield immense power. With that comes the obligation to ensure they are qualified and lawfully appointed. Today’s decision affirms that principle.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
