New Jersey’s U.S. Senate delegation has firmly opposed the appointment of Alina Habba to a full term as U.S. attorney, expressing their discontent with her performance as interim U.S. attorney in a statement released on Wednesday morning.
President Donald Trump recently nominated Habba for the four-year position, as her 120-day term as interim U.S. attorney is approaching its end. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim articulated their disapproval, emphasizing that New Jersey deserves an attorney with substantial law enforcement experience and an impartial approach to justice. Their statement criticized Habba for undermining the integrity of the office and pursuing what they describe as frivolous and politically driven prosecutions.
The nomination follows a contentious tenure for Habba, who has been at the center of multiple controversies since her appointment in March. Among these issues is a lawsuit filed by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who accused her and a federal agent of illegal arrest and defamation related to an altercation outside a migrant detention center. Furthermore, Habba has garnered criticism for her initiatives, including an “Election Integrity Task Force,” which critics, such as the ACLU-NJ, have labeled as a threat to democratic processes.
If the Senate rejects her nomination, Habba’s future could hinge on the decision of New Jersey’s 17 District Court judges, many of whom were appointed by Democratic leaders who may also oppose her.
This scenario underscores ongoing political tensions in New Jersey, with Habba’s aspirations to serve a full term shaping a larger discourse about judicial impartiality and the role of U.S. attorneys in upholding justice free of partisan influence. As the nomination process unfolds, the possibility remains that new leadership could emerge in this significant role, one that many believe should prioritize community safety and fairness.
The situation in New Jersey highlights the importance of balance and accountability in law enforcement, reaffirming that the pursuit of justice should transcend political motivations.