Alina Habba Resigns as U.S. Attorney in New Jersey After Disqualification

Alina Habba, who previously represented former President Donald Trump as a defense lawyer, has stepped down from the role of U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey following a disqualification. Habba had been tapped to lead the federal prosecutor's office in New Jersey, a position that oversees significant criminal and civil enforcement matters in the state.

Her resignation comes after an official determination that rendered her ineligible to continue in the post. The move ends a brief and high-profile tenure that attracted attention because of her recent ties to Trump and the potential for perceived conflicts of interest. Habba’s transition from private defense practice to the top federal prosecutorial role in New Jersey had already been scrutinized by legal observers and the public alike.

Observers say the resignation may have immediate operational consequences for the U.S. attorney's office, including the need to appoint an interim leader and to review any cases or initiatives Habba had been overseeing. Federal prosecutor offices typically maintain continuity through career staff, but leadership changes can slow administrative decisions and shift strategic priorities.

Legal ethics experts note that the situation underscores how prior client relationships and public affiliations can complicate appointments to public prosecutorial roles. When a nominee or appointee has recent ties to high-profile clients or political figures, questions frequently arise about recusal, impartiality and the appearance of bias—issues that can lead to formal disqualifications or voluntary departures.

The resignation was reported by major outlets including CNBC. Officials from the Department of Justice and Habba’s own representatives have not released detailed public statements clarifying the grounds for the disqualification or the timeline for a successor.

As the U.S. attorney’s office in New Jersey moves forward, attention will likely focus on how leadership continuity is restored and whether any pending matters require special handling because of the change. The episode highlights broader tensions that can occur when private-practice lawyers with recent political or high-profile clients enter sensitive public enforcement roles.