New Jersey's top prosecutor steps down after appeals court rules against her service.
The ex-lawyer for the former president has left her position as the chief federal prosecutor in the state. This decision was prompted by a judicial decision that questioned her legal standing to serve.
Attorney General's Statement
The head of the Justice Department, Pam Bondi, announced her stepping down on the start of the week. In a statement that the appeals court finding made it "untenable" for the official to perform her duties.
"Do not interpret adherence to the ruling as defeat," she wrote. "This battle will now reach across America."
Court Ruling
The departure comes a week after a judicial panel found that she had been unlawfully serving as the federal prosecutor. This decision is expected to impact many prosecutions in the state.
The appellate judges declared that a acting appointment that skirted the advice and consent of the Senate breached the statute on vacant positions.
Ongoing Legal Battle
It was also stated that she will remain at the Department of Justice as a high-level advisor. She will seek further review of the court's action, with hopes of a overturned decision.
In a statement, the Attorney General wrote that judges "should not be able to override the executive's selection of prosecutors responsible for executing the fundamental role of the presidency of criminal prosecution."
Accomplishments Cited
The attorney general highlighted her tenure and said that during her run, the Newark saw a one-fifth decrease in offenses. Additionally that the city of Camden had its initial homicide-free summer since 1974 without a homicide.
Legal Career
The 41-year-old attorney, originally became part of the former president's legal defense in 2021. She later defended Trump in his business records case in 2024, which resulted in his conviction on 34 counts of financial record manipulation.
Earlier, Habba took on the federal prosecutor position, the former president had revealed he was selecting her as his White House advisor if re-elected, describing Habba as a steadfast ally and a "tireless advocate for justice".
