Alina Habba Resigns as Top Federal Prosecutor Amid Legal Battle

Mon Dec 08 2025 22:44:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Alina Habba, formerly Donald Trump's personal attorney, resigns from her position as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after an appeals court ruled her appointment was unlawful, vowing to continue her fight from a different role within the Justice Department.

In a significant development, Alina Habba has stepped down from her role as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey following a ruling by a federal appeals court that deemed her appointment unlawful. Habba, who gained prominence as Trump's legal spokesperson, criticized the judges' decision, labeling it politically motivated but asserted her commitment to the Justice Department in a senior advisory role.

In a dramatic turn of events, Alina Habba, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, announced on Monday her resignation from the role of U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. This decision comes after a federal appeals court ruled that her appointment was illegal, prompting her to abandon further attempts to maintain her position.

Habba expressed her disapproval of the court's ruling, labeling it as politically motivated. Despite resigning, she reassured her supporters that compliance does not equate to surrender and maintained her intention to appeal the ruling. This decision will not weaken the Justice Department and it will not weaken me, she stated, pledging to stay within the Justice Department as a senior advisor to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Initially appointed in March for a temporary term, Habba had been one of Trump's most visible legal advocates. After her term expired in July, a panel of federal judges appointed one of her subordinates, only for Bondi to replace that individual shortly thereafter, citing Habba's removal as a politically driven action.

Habba's limited experience in federal court appeared to present challenges, as both of New Jersey’s Democratic Senators had indicated their intention to block her Senate confirmation. With her resignation, questions arise regarding the implications for other U.S. attorneys facing similar scrutiny of their appointments.

The case reflects the broader tensions within the Justice Department as it navigates the political ramifications surrounding Trump's former attorneys amid ongoing legal challenges.