WASHINGTON — Acting New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba announced she is stepping down as the Garden State’s top federal prosecutor due to an appeals court ruling that found she was disqualified from the role.
“As a result of the Third Circuit’s ruling, and to protect the stability and integrity of the office which I love, I have decided to step down in my role as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey,” Habba said in a statement.
“But do not mistake compliance for surrender. This decision will not weaken the Justice Department, and it will not weaken me.”
President Trump had tapped Habba, who previously served as his personal attorney, for the role in an acting capacity in March.
But the lower courts had found that Trump’s appointment of Habba violated a 1998 law governing federal vacancies.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
