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Alina Habba has resigned as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor. This follows a legal ruling that questioned her legal standing to occupy the role.

Acceptance of Resignation

The nation's top law enforcement official, Pam Bondi, accepted the prosecutor's departure on the start of the week. She commented that the court's "flawed" ruling made it "untenable" for Habba to perform her duties.

"But do not mistake compliance for surrender," she declared. "This battle will now extend throughout America."

Court Ruling

The departure follows closely on a federal appellate panel ruled that she had been unlawfully serving as US attorney. This decision is expected to impact many criminal cases in New Jersey.

The court ruled that a acting appointment that did not receive confirmation by the US Senate breached the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

Future Role and Reaction

The Attorney General added that the former prosecutor will remain at the Department of Justice as a high-level advisor. She will pursue additional appeals of the ruling, in the hope of achieving a reversal.

In a statement, the Attorney General argued that judges "must not override the executive's selection of prosecutors tasked with executing the primary duty of the administration of enforcing the law."

Record and Legacy

Bondi praised Habba's record and pointed out that under her leadership, the city of Newark saw a one-fifth decrease in offenses. She also stated that the southern city of Camden recorded its first summer in 50 years with no murders.

Connection to Donald Trump

Habba, 41, first joined Donald Trump's lawyers in 2021. Subsequently, she defended the former president in his New York criminal case in 2024, leading to his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Prior to Habba took on the role of US Attorney, Trump had revealed he was naming her as his senior adviser during his second administration, describing her as "unwavering in her loyalty" and a relentless legal advocate.