Federal judge rules Trump appointee Alina Habba is unlawfully serving as US attorney

A judge ruled that Alina Habba was unlawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey after President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi bypassed standard procedures to keep her in charge. Judge Matthew Brann found Habba could not lawfully prosecute two criminal defendants who challenged her appointment, invalidating her court filings in those cases. The ruling highlights misuse of federal vacancy law loopholes and may allow other defendants to contest her authority. The decision will not take effect until the Trump administration has a chance to appeal.