Alina Habba Resigns as Acting NJ U.S. Attorney After Court Ruling

Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, announced her resignation Monday as acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, following a federal appeals court ruling that disqualified her from the position.

The Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision last week, finding that Habba's continued service violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. The panel determined that maneuvers by Attorney General Pam Bondi to extend Habba's role after her initial 120-day term expired in July contravened federal law governing interim appointments. In a statement posted on social media, Habba said the ruling prompted her decision. "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," she wrote. She added, "But do not mistake compliance for surrender. This decision will not weaken the Justice Department and it will not weaken me."

Habba, 41, was sworn in as acting U.S. attorney in March, overseeing about 170 prosecutors in the district responsible for federal criminal and civil enforcement. She had no prior prosecutorial experience but had represented...