Judges Decline Trump's Pick for NJ Federal Prosecutor
A New Jersey court declined to make Alina Habba, Trump's interim appointee, the permanent U.S. Attorney, favoring Desiree Grace. Habba’s nomination lacks Senate action, hindering her tenure extension. The Justice Department faces legal constraints against appointing her further, following various controversial legal actions her office took.
In a significant judicial decision, a panel from the U.S. District Court in New Jersey decided against securing Alina Habba's position as the state's top federal prosecutor permanently. Appointed by former President Donald Trump as an interim U.S. attorney, Habba's scope was bound by a 120-day term.
The court appointed Desiree Grace, the office's second-in-command, despite Habba's contributions, citing the legal limits on extending her appointment. This decision surfaces amidst ongoing Senate inaction on her formal nomination, limiting options for the Justice Department, which cannot legally extend acting roles for nominees.
Under Habba's brief tenure, her office initiated multiple legal cases against Democrats, one involving an arrest attempt of Newark's mayor, contributing to criticisms of partisan bias. Habba's lack of previous prosecutorial experience, along with legal actions against political figures, drew further scrutiny.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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