In a directive issued Tuesday, the judges tapped Desiree Leigh Grace — Alina Habba’s first assistant — to immediately assume the interim position. Grace will serve for the next 120 days or until a permanent nominee is confirmed by the Senate.
Habba’s departure marks a sudden halt in what had been a rapid rise through the ranks of Trump’s inner circle. She served as counsel to the president during his first months back in office and was later appointed to the top federal prosecutorial post in New Jersey. But with her interim term expiring and no confirmation in hand, she now finds herself sidelined — at least temporarily.
President Trump has already nominated Habba for the position permanently, signaling she remains a favored pick. But her path forward is anything but certain.
Her nomination has stalled in the Senate amid fierce opposition from New Jersey’s two Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, who have raised concerns about her prosecutorial experience and alleged politicization of the office.
Critics point to Habba’s controversial decision to bring trespassing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka earlier this year, following a dramatic confrontation with border agents at a New Jersey migrant facility. Others highlight her April 2025 social media post vowing to prosecute politicians who defy Trump’s executive orders — a move widely viewed as politically motivated.
A spokesperson for Habba did not respond to requests for comment from The Daily Mail, but a source close to her said she remains “committed” and “will never back down” from the job Trump chose her to lead.
In an all-staff meeting last Thursday, Habba acknowledged the uncertain road ahead and thanked her team for their service. “Hopefully this isn’t goodbye,” she told staffers, according to a person present at the meeting. The same source said Habba wanted to offer her thanks in case she didn’t get the chance later.
While Grace now holds the interim role, she was not the only name floated in judicial discussions. Former U.S. District Court Judge Noel Lawrence Hillman, also a registered Republican, was reportedly under consideration. Ultimately, the judges opted for Grace — not Habba — despite her extensive behind-the-scenes efforts to win support.
Sources familiar with the process said Habba had spent weeks meeting privately with members of the judicial panel in an attempt to build relationships and shore up support ahead of a permanent confirmation vote.
Trump, meanwhile, is growing increasingly frustrated with what he sees as “deep state” obstruction. He has publicly urged the Senate to remain in session through August to accelerate confirmations — including Habba’s.
Despite the pushback, Habba’s nomination remains active. The Senate could still confirm her at any time, and she could return as the official U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
Her 120-day term, which began after she left the White House in March, officially expired this week — but her political fight is far from over.