A federal judge on Thursday disqualified acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba from participating in any ongoing criminal cases lodged by her office, after the lawfulness of her appointment by the Trump administration was challenged in two separate cases.
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Judge Matthew Brann said that Habba’s appointment as the state’s top federal prosecutor by the administration “through a novel series of legal and personnel moves” was not legally valid.
Habba is a former personal lawyer for President Donald Trump.
“The Court concludes that Ms. Habba has exercised the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey without lawful authority since July 1, 2025,” wrote Brann in his opinion.
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