Search for posts, channels, users, hashtags & more

Judge’s Pick Fired – AG Pam Bondi Boots New Jersey Prosecutor In Wild Power Play

A dramatic showdown unfolds as Attorney General Pam Bondi cites “rogue judges” in axing Desiree Leigh Grace, igniting a constitutional clash over presidential power.

The Justice Department on Tuesday fired Desiree Leigh Grace as the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. The extraordinary dismissal came just hours after federal judges in the state had chosen Grace over President Donald Trump’s preferred candidate, Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to the President.

Attorney General Pam Bondi wasted no time in publicly defending the decision, taking to X to declare, “This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.” The defiant statement underscores a brewing constitutional battle over the authority to appoint top federal prosecutors.

The controversy began when federal judges in New Jersey opted not to make Habba, whom Trump had appointed as the state’s acting U.S. attorney in March, the permanent leader. Habba’s 120-day term as acting U.S. attorney had expired this week, and she was awaiting Senate confirmation for a permanent role.

Under federal law, district judges have the authority to name a U.S. attorney if the president’s nominee is not acted upon by the Senate within 120 days. This long-standing provision has been recognized by previous Justice Departments.

However, it remains unclear if the Trump Justice Department now believes it can circumvent this process or if it intends to continue seeking Senate confirmation for Habba.

Grace, a nine-year career prosecutor who previously led the New Jersey office’s criminal division, was Habba’s first assistant before the district judges elevated her to the top job, effectively ousting Habba.

Alina Habba, who served as Trump’s legal spokesperson in several high-profile cases after he left the White House in 2021, was one of at least four of his defense attorneys named to posts in his administration upon his return to the presidency this year.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, another former Trump defense attorney, weighed in on social media after Grace’s promotion was announced, stating, “Alina is President Trump’s choice to lead. No partisan bench can override that.”

During her tenure as acting U.S. attorney, Habba pursued politically charged cases, including prosecutions against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, both Democrats. She also challenged New Jersey State Police over sanctuary policies related to immigration enforcement.

MORE ARTICLES - TAMPA FREE PRESS  
  TAMPA FREE PRESS   Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism.   Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.   Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.   Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.   Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.