Alina Habba, Trump's Former Personal Lawyer, Resigns as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey After Court Declares Appointment Unlawful

A Federal Court Ruling Forces Alina Habba to Step Down

In a dramatic legal and political twist, Alina Habba — widely recognized as former personal lawyer to Donald Trump — has resigned from her post as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey after a federal court declared her appointment unlawfully executed.

The decision has quickly become one of the most significant Justice Department controversies of the year.

The court panel found that Habba’s appointment bypassed required statutory procedures, making her tenure legally invalid. The ruling followed a petition filed by legal watchdogs who argued that the appointment ignored established DOJ and congressional confirmation processes.

A Controversial Appointment Ends Abruptly

Habba’s brief time in office drew national attention, especially given her high-profile work with Trump. Her critics said the DOJ appointment process appeared rushed, while supporters claimed she brought much-needed energy to the New Jersey office.

Although her tenure included high-profile prosecutions involving corruption and financial crime, the court focused exclusively on federal appointment law, stating that the process used to install her “did not meet statutory requirements.”

The decision immediately triggered searches for terms such as “Alina Habba resignation,” “U.S. Attorney for New Jersey news,” and “Habba unlawful appointment.”

Habba Pushes Back Against Court Decision

Habba issued a statement calling the ruling “deeply flawed, legally unsound, and politically influenced.” She emphasized that she would comply with the removal order but intends to seek further review.

Her departure adds fuel to the ongoing debate about political influence on Justice Department appointments, a topic that continues to trend in legal and political media circles.

DOJ Quickly Installs Interim Leadership

The Department of Justice named First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Travers as acting U.S. Attorney to stabilize the office. Travers, a longtime career prosecutor, is expected to bring continuity and reduce uncertainty surrounding ongoing cases.

Legal experts say that the ruling may affect cases initiated during Habba’s leadership, potentially opening the door to appeals based on improper authority.

Possible Long-Term Impact on Federal Appointments

Analysts believe this case may become a key reference point for future disputes over interim federal appointments. The decision reinforces that even temporary placements must follow strict law, or risk invalidating entire case portfolios.

“This ruling sends a clear message to every administration,” said constitutional law professor Dr. Lila Mendel. “The confirmation process for U.S. Attorneys is not optional.”

What This Means Going Forward

With public attention surging and political debate intensifying, the resignation of Alina Habba is expected to remain a trending topic in U.S. legal news, Trump-related investigations, and federal appointment oversight.

As the Justice Department reviews cases handled under Habba’s leadership, legal observers say the impact of this decision could stretch well into the next election cycle.