Former Trump lawyer Alina Habba disqualified as top New Jersey prosecutor

PHILADELPHIA: Former attorney for President Donald Trump, Alina Habba, has been disqualified from serving as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor, despite efforts by the Trump administration to retain her in the role, according to sources.

A panel of judges from the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, meeting in Philadelphia, upheld a lower court’s ruling after hearing oral arguments on October 20, where Habba was present.

In its statement, the court noted: “It is clear that the current administration has faced significant legal and political hurdles in placing its preferred appointees. Its efforts to install Alina Habba as Acting US. Attorney for the District of New Jersey illustrate these challenges. However, the people of New Jersey and the committed staff of the US Attorney’s Office deserve clarity and stable leadership.”

The panel added: “We affirm the District Court’s disqualification order.”

The lower court’s decision came amid strong pressure from the Trump administration, which sought to keep Habba as Acting US Attorney even after her interim appointment expired and despite the absence of Senate confirmation.

The position she sought to retain is one of the most influential federal posts in the state, responsible for enforcing both criminal and civil federal laws.

The ruling follows judicial scrutiny over the administration’s attempts to extend Habba’s tenure without meeting the required confirmation procedures.