Court Blocks Alina Habba's Appointment as New Jersey Prosecutor

A federal appeals court has invalidated the appointment of Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, as the acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey. The court's decision highlights the Trump administration's struggle to place loyalists in key positions and may affect ongoing federal cases in the state.

A federal appeals court ruled on Monday against Alina Habba, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, stating her appointment as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey was unlawful. The decision marks a significant setback for Trump and his Justice Department in their efforts to install loyalists in critical roles across the U.S. Attorney's offices.

The unanimous decision by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia supports a prior ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann, which found that Trump's administration violated a federal appointments law in appointing Habba as acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey.

The judgement reflects the administration's ongoing difficulties in filling its preferred candidates for key roles. Judge D. Michael Fisher noted the legal and political challenges faced by the administration in elevating Habba. The ruling is expected to impact numerous active federal criminal cases in New Jersey, prompting the Justice Department to seek an alternative prosecutor. The administration may consider appealing the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)