Federal judges declined to extend Alina Habba’s term as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey on Tuesday, ending her brief and oftentimes controversial tenure.
Appointed by President Trump in March, Habba’s 120-day term expired without Senate confirmation. A panel of district judges selected her deputy, Desiree Leigh Grace, to take over.
Later on Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi fired Grace, calling the judges’ move a violation of executive authority. Bondi took to social media, stating that the Justice Department “does not tolerate rogue judges.”
Bondi announces the removal of the top career prosecutor in the NJ US Attorney’s Office because she was chosen by the district judges to replace Alina Habba.
[image or embed] — Ron Filipkowski (@ronfilipkowski.bsky.social) July 22, 2025 at 6:09 PM
The leadership battle leaves the U.S. attorney’s office in flux. The judges’ order naming Grace took effect immediately, but it is possible that Habba’s legal authority could extend through the end of the week depending on how her swearing-in date is interpreted. Because Habba received no Senate confirmation—and due to her 120 day term expiring—the panel of judges were within Constitutional bounds to name a replacement.
This follows months of controversy during Habba’s tenure. Critics accused her of politicizing the office and targeting Democratic officials, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver. Both were charged following a confrontation with federal agents outside a Newark detention center. Habba later dropped charges against Baraka, who is now suing her for malicious prosecution.
Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim, who opposed Habba’s nomination, condemned Grace’s firing as an attack on judicial independence.
Her confirmation remains stalled in the Senate.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.