Trenton, New Jersey — A federal district judge ruled Thursday that the appointment of Alina Habba as acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey was unlawful, raising questions about her authority and actions since taking office in July. The decision has significant implications for ongoing federal cases in the state.

U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann outlined his findings in a detailed 77-page ruling, emphasizing that the manner in which Habba was appointed violated legal standards. He stated that the Executive branch had engaged in a series of questionable legal maneuvers to keep Habba in her position, leading him to conclude that she is not legally qualified to act as U.S. Attorney.

Brann’s ruling highlights issues surrounding the chain of appointments made during her tenure. Habba was appointed by President Donald Trump in March, following the dismissal of a previous interim U.S. Attorney. Despite being sworn in shortly thereafter, her eligibility for the role was limited to a 120-day interim period. The situation grew more complex when Trump nominated her for the permanent position, but the Senate did not move on her confirmation.

On July 22, the District Court of New Jersey opted to appoint Habba’s deputy as the new U.S. Attorney, an action that reportedly displeased Trump administration officials. In what Judge Brann described as a multi-step maneuver, Attorney General Pam Bondi intervened by terminating Habba’s successor and installing her in positions that allowed her to continue serving as acting U.S. Attorney.

Judge Brann determined that these actions were improper and designed to bypass the Senate’s role in the confirmation process. The judge further clarified that the appointment had expired sooner than the government had claimed, disqualifying Habba from participating in ongoing criminal cases involving two defendants who challenged her legality.

Attorneys Abbe Lowell and Gerald Krovatin, representing one of the defendants, praised the judge’s decision. They remarked that the ruling reinforces the need for adherence to established protocols that ensure the legitimacy of the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Pending an appeal from the Trump administration, Brann’s order will temporarily remain on hold, meaning Habba will retain her position for the time being as legal arguments make their way through the courts. The Justice Department and New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s office did not comment immediately on the ruling.

Judge Brann, a Republican nominated by Barack Obama, was specifically chosen to oversee this case due to its complexities. His ruling coincided with a separate legal victory for Habba earlier that same day, when an appeals court dismissed a $500 million fraud ruling against Trump, a matter in which she was involved. Habba referred to the fraud case as politically motivated and declared that “justice has prevailed.”