By Colleen O’Dea, Senior Writer and Projects Editor, NJ Spotlight News
It’s still unclear who will be New Jersey’s next chief federal prosecutor. As interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s term draws to a close, the Trump administration rejected her replacement chosen by the state’s federal judges, continuing to bring politics into an office supposed to oversee the impartial administration of justice.
The appointment of Habba, President Trump’s former personal attorney, as the third U.S. attorney for the state this year was controversial from the start because of her lack of experience in both criminal and civil matters and because of numerous political statements she had made. Trump has nominated her to the position, which must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, where both New Jersey senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim oppose her nomination.
By law, when an interim U.S. attorney appointment expires, the district court appoints someone until the vacancy is filled. New Jersey’s court did that on Tuesday when it issued an order naming Habba’s first assistant attorney, Desiree Leigh Grace, as her successor. Grace has been with the U.S. attorney’s office for almost nine years, according to her profile on LinkedIn, and was named Habba’s first assistant on April 25. She is highly respected by other attorneys and staff, according to a number of sources.
Within hours, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on social media that Grace “has just been removed” from her position as first assistant attorney. Bondi said she supports Habba and criticized “politically minded” and “rogue” judges.
Read the full story here
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