(AURN News) — A major federal appeals court has delivered another setback to President Donald Trump’s efforts to install loyalists inside the Justice Department.
In a 32-page ruling, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals disqualified Alina Habba — Trump’s former personal attorney — from serving as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey.
Judges found that the administration violated federal rules multiple times while attempting to place her in the role without Senate confirmation. The court cited improper firings, title reshuffling and an expansive interpretation of federal vacancy laws that stretched well beyond Congress’ intent.
The rebuke came from a three-judge panel that included two judges appointed by former President George W. Bush.
It marks the second Trump-installed prosecutor blocked in a week. A separate ruling in Virginia invalidated the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, wiping out her cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The Habba ruling does not overturn the underlying criminal indictments in New Jersey, but it signals that even in Trump’s second term, the rule of law still has limits.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
