Trump's former lawyer leaves her post after appeals court disqualifies her.
The ex-lawyer for the former president has resigned as the chief federal prosecutor in the state. This follows a judicial decision that questioned her eligibility to hold the office.
Attorney General's Statement
The head of the Justice Department, the Attorney General, confirmed Habba's resignation on Monday. In a statement that the court's "flawed" ruling made it unworkable for Habba to effectively run her office.
"Do not interpret following the order as giving up," Habba stated. "The effort will now extend throughout the country."
Legal Background
The departure follows closely on a federal appellate panel ruled that she had been serving in violation of the law as the top prosecutor. This judgment is expected to impact scores of prosecutions in New Jersey.
The appellate judges ruled that a interim role that did not receive Senate approval breached the federal law governing appointments.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The Attorney General added that she will remain at the justice department as a senior adviser. Habba plans to challenge the decision of the ruling, with hopes of a overturned decision.
Writing online, the Attorney General argued that the judiciary "cannot be permitted to override the executive's selection of attorneys entrusted with carrying out the fundamental role of the presidency of prosecuting crime."
Accomplishments Cited
She praised Habba's record and said that under her leadership, the Newark saw a 20% reduction in crime. Additionally that the Camden recorded its first summer in half a century free from homicides.
Connection to Donald Trump
Habba, 41, originally became part of Donald Trump's lawyers in 2021. She later acted for the former president in his hush-money trial in 2024, which resulted in his conviction on 34 counts of financial record manipulation.
Prior to Habba took on the top New Jersey post, Donald Trump had announced he was appointing her as his senior adviser during his second administration, describing her as "unwavering in her loyalty" and a dedicated fighter for justice.
