Trump-appointed US attorney in New Jersey replaced

WASHINGTON

Interim US Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was replaced Tuesday by a court order, sparking a backlash from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who called the move politically motivated.

Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb appointed First Assistant US Attorney Desiree Leigh Grace to replace Habba, whose 120-day term began on March 24, several US media outlets reported.

Bondi wrote on X that “politically minded judges refused to allow her to continue,” adding: “This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.”

Habba, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, has been nominated for the post permanently, though the Senate Judiciary Committee has yet to advance her nomination.