Trio Named to Replace Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney is Also Serving Illegally, Judge Says A federal judge ruled Monday that the Trump administration had again violated legal procedures by attempting to install its own nominees to lead New Jersey’s U.S. attorney’s office, marking the second time in under a year that the court has invalidated such actions. The decision underscores ongoing legal challenges to the administration’s efforts to circumvent congressional oversight in selecting top federal prosecutors. The ruling specifically targeted the recent appointment of a trio to replace Alina Habba, the former U.S. attorney for New Jersey who resigned in 2020. The judge found that the Trump administration’s attempt to bypass the Senate’s confirmation process for these nominees was unlawful, reinforcing the principle that federal judicial appointments must adhere to established constitutional protocols. This follows a similar ruling earlier this year, which also condemned the administration’s methods for filling the U.S. attorney position. The case highlights tensions between executive authority and legislative checks, as the court emphasized that the Senate’s role in confirming federal officials remains non-negotiable. Legal experts noted that the repeated invalidation of these appointments signals a growing judicial resistance to executive overreach in the judicial branch. The ruling also raises questions about the implications for the functioning of federal prosecutors, who play a critical role in enforcing federal law. The judge’s decision comes amid broader scrutiny of the Trump administration’s approach to staffing key federal positions.#new_jersey #trump_administration #federal_judge #senate #u_s_attorney
Lindsey Halligan, a former U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, is facing an investigation by Florida’s bar association over her legal actions against individuals associated with President Trump. The probe, initiated by the Florida Bar, follows complaints filed by the Campaign for Accountability, a nonprofit organization that has scrutinized her conduct. The bar association’s letter to the group confirmed that an investigation is already underway, with Halligan, who left her position in January, being notified of the process. The Florida Bar’s inquiry could result in disciplinary measures, including potential disbarment, though the process is complex and typically spans years. The bar can initiate investigations and gather facts but must forward its findings to a grievance committee, which determines if there is probable cause to accuse an attorney of misconduct. If the committee finds evidence, the case would then be reviewed by state courts, which hold the authority to revoke a lawyer’s license. Halligan’s actions as a U.S. attorney drew criticism from career prosecutors, who opposed her efforts to pursue criminal cases against Trump’s political adversaries. Her work has been a focal point of legal and ethical debates, with judges and legal experts questioning the boundaries of her conduct. The ongoing investigation may serve as a deterrent for other attorneys accused of overstepping legal limits or misleading courts, a trend that has become increasingly common in recent months. The Justice Department, which has faced significant staff turnover due to resignations and firings, is actively seeking new hires to replace departed employees.#justice_department #u_s_attorney #lindsey_halligan #campaign_for_accountability #florida_bar
