New Jersey's top prosecutor steps down following appeals court disqualifies her.
The former personal attorney for Donald Trump has left her position as the chief federal prosecutor in the state. This follows a judicial decision that challenged her eligibility to occupy the role.
Attorney General's Statement
The nation's top law enforcement official, Pam Bondi, announced the prosecutor's departure on the start of the week. Bondi stated that the court's "flawed" ruling made it "untenable" for the official to perform her duties.
"Do not interpret following the order as giving up," she wrote. "My fight will now extend throughout the nation."
Court Ruling
The departure comes a week after a judicial panel found that she had been acting without proper authority as US attorney. This decision is expected to impact numerous criminal cases in the state.
The court ruled that a acting appointment that bypassed Senate approval violated the statute on vacant positions.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The Attorney General added that she will continue working within the DOJ as a top consultant. Habba plans to pursue additional appeals of the disqualification, aiming for a different outcome.
In a statement, she argued that the court "should not be able to override the executive's selection of prosecutors entrusted with carrying out the executive branch's core responsibility of enforcing the law."
Accomplishments Cited
The attorney general highlighted Habba's record and noted that during her run, the Newark saw a significant drop in crime. Additionally that the southern city of Camden recorded its first summer in 50 years without a homicide.
Legal Career
The 41-year-old attorney, originally became part of Trump's personal legal team in 2021. Subsequently, she acted for the former president in his business records case in New York last year, when he was conviction on multiple felony counts of document fraud.
Prior to Habba took on the role of US Attorney, Donald Trump had announced he was selecting her as his presidential counsellor if re-elected, labeling her as a steadfast ally and a "tireless advocate for justice".