Alina Habba’s Fate in the Hands of Federal Judges
Alina Habba is set to face federal judges on Monday, with the outcome of their meeting determining whether she will continue in her role as acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey or step down. Her 120-day interim appointment is scheduled to expire at midnight on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, unless extended by federal judges or through Senate confirmation.
Habba was initially appointed to the position by former President Donald Trump, who had previously hired her as personal legal counsel. The timing of her appointment has drawn significant attention, especially given the scrutiny surrounding her leadership and the decisions she has made since taking office.
Why This Matters
The decision to reappoint or replace Habba could have far-reaching implications for the leadership and direction of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. The office oversees major federal investigations and prosecutorial actions, making its leadership a critical factor in shaping the state’s legal landscape. If no extension is granted, the office may need to appoint a new acting U.S. Attorney, which could shift the focus of ongoing cases and investigations.
Habba has faced several controversies during her tenure. She was sued by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation following Baraka’s arrest during a protest at an immigration detention center in Newark on May 9. In response, Habba dropped a trespassing charge against Baraka that month, raising questions about her handling of the case.
Political Backlash and Criticism
Several prominent figures have spoken out against Habba’s continued role. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly criticized her, accusing her of being a “woefully unqualified political hack.” He specifically referenced her alleged involvement in the indictment of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, claiming it was politically motivated. Jeffries urged federal judges not to confirm her role, stating, “She must be rejected by the Federal District Court judges who are considering whether to retain her.”
In response to Jeffries’ comments, a nonprofit advocacy organization called The Article III Project filed a House ethics complaint. The group argued that Jeffries’ public statements were inappropriate and potentially violated ethical guidelines.
Mixed Reactions from Supporters and Opponents
Not everyone shares the criticism of Habba. Harmeet K. Dhillon, a top civil rights lawyer under the Trump administration, defended her work, saying, “Who’s delivering results for the American people? Alina Habba is doing a great job indicting criminals and putting Americans first — which begs the question when someone is doing their job so well, why would a politician pressure judges to undermine her?”
On the other hand, Democratic Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker issued a joint statement criticizing Habba’s performance. They claimed that she had “degraded the office” and pursued “frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions.” Their comments reflect growing concerns among some lawmakers about the potential politicization of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat and former prosecutor, also expressed skepticism about Habba’s qualifications. She noted that Habba had no prosecutorial experience when she was appointed in March and warned that her leadership could lead to the misuse of the office for political purposes.
What Comes Next
The federal judges in New Jersey are expected to make a decision later on Monday. While the outcome remains uncertain, the debate over Habba’s future highlights broader concerns about the independence and integrity of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The final decision will likely influence the direction of federal law enforcement in the state and set a precedent for how such appointments are handled in the future.
