Trump's ex-lawyer replaced as federal prosecutor by judges

July 23, 2025

A panel of U.S. judges has voted to replace Alina Habba, President Donald Trump's personal attorney who was selected as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor despite having no criminal prosecution experience. The judges chose her deputy, Desiree Leigh Grace, to take over as Habba's 120-day interim appointment ended, but Attorney General Pam Bondi immediately announced Grace's removal from the post. The decision sparked conflict between the judiciary and Trump administration officials, who denounced the judges' action as politically motivated.

Who is affected

Alina Habba, Trump's personal attorney and interim U.S. prosecutor
Desiree Leigh Grace, career prosecutor briefly selected to replace Habba
The panel of 17 U.S. judges who made the decision
New Jersey's Democratic senators who opposed Habba's nomination
New Jersey's Democratic congressman, governor, and attorney general who faced charges or investigations under Habba

What action is being taken

A group of U.S. judges is voting to replace Trump's selection for New Jersey's top federal prosecutor
Attorney General Pam Bondi is removing Habba's replacement (Grace) from the post
The Department of Justice is maintaining support for Habba despite the judges' decision
Trump administration officials are publicly denouncing the judges' decision as politically motivated

Why it matters

It represents a rare instance of judges rejecting an interim prosecutor from continuing in role
The situation demonstrates a direct conflict between judicial authority and executive branch power
Habba's lack of criminal prosecution experience raises questions about qualifications for the position
The incident follows a similar situation in New York where judges blocked an interim U.S. attorney from staying on
It highlights political tensions as Habba pursued cases against Democratic officials during her tenure

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC