Pam Bondi immediately removes NJ judges’ replacement for US Attorney Alina Habba

“My friend @USAttyHabba is doing outstandingwork in New Jersey — she makes @thejusticedept proud,” Bondi wrote on social media, adding that Habba had “been doing a great job in making NJ safe again.”

The comments come after New Jersey district judges used a rarely invoked statute to block Habba from continuing as US Attorney after her 120-day interim term expired, reports Politico. The judges instead selected First Assistant US Attorney Desiree Leigh Grace to fill the position.

Bondi responded to that appointment, saying "@USAttyHabba has been doing a great job in making NJ safe again. Nonetheless, politically minded judges refused to allow her to continue in her position, replacing Alina with the First Assistant.

"Accordingly, the First Assistant United States Attorney in New Jersey has just been removed.

"This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers."

The court order announcing Grace’s appointment was posted to the judiciary’s public website. It remains unclear if or when the change officially takes effect, with the order suggesting it could be immediate or delayed by a day.

Habba, who also served as a personal attorney to President Donald Trump and counselor to the president, was appointed to the US Attorney role in March on an interim basis. The White House had urged the court to allow her to remain in the post until a permanent nomination could be confirmed by the Senate. The Senate has not yet got to her confirmation hearing, or many others that are waiting.

The decision to reject Habba has has triggered some backlash, with some on the MAGA camp saying the move undercuts the administration’s authority. “This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers,” one senior official said, according to Politico.