URGENT UPDATE: The Department of Justice has just announced the firing of Desiree Leigh Grace as U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, only hours after she was appointed. This decision comes after federal judges opted not to retain Alina Habba, President Donald Trump‘s initial pick, who has served as interim U.S. attorney since March.
In a statement on October 3, 2023, Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed her disapproval, stating, “Alina Habba has been doing a great job in making NJ safe again,” yet criticized the judges for their decision to replace her with Grace. Bondi asserted that the DOJ “does not tolerate rogue judges—especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.”
The legal community is buzzing following this abrupt dismissal. Grace, who had been serving as the first assistant U.S. attorney, was selected by New Jersey judges under a rarely invoked authority. However, the legitimacy of her appointment is now under scrutiny, raising critical questions about the separation of powers and executive authority in judicial matters.
Grace joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey in 2016 and has held various significant positions, including acting chief of the Violent Crimes Unit. Her abrupt removal leaves the office without clear leadership amidst deepening tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration.
Earlier this month, Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim condemned Habba’s interim role, accusing her of pursuing “frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions.” This latest shake-up adds to the ongoing debate about judicial independence and the rule of law in the Trump era.
In response to Grace’s firing, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the judges’ decision as politically motivated, asserting, “This backroom vote will not override the authority of the Chief Executive.” Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields reaffirmed Trump’s confidence in Habba, stating, “The Trump Administration looks forward to her final confirmation in the U.S. Senate.”
As the dust settles, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey remains in a state of uncertainty, and the implications of Bondi’s firing of Grace are still unfolding. Observers are left to ponder the future direction of justice in New Jersey and the continuing political ramifications of this contentious appointment process.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it has the potential to reshape the legal landscape in New Jersey and beyond.
