Alina Habba Resigns as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Following Judicial Disqualification

Alina Habba has resigned from her role as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey after a federal judge ruled she could not continue handling specific matters due to prior professional ties to individuals under investigation. The disqualification stemmed from her tenure as a defense attorney for Donald Trump, during which she represented him in multiple federal cases, including those related to the January 6 Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents. The judicial order, issued on December 6, 2025, cited ethical concerns under the U.S. Department of Justice’s conflict-of-interest guidelines, requiring her immediate recusal from cases involving former Trump associates or related legal matters. Habba was appointed to the position by President Joe Biden in August 2024, becoming the first woman to lead the New Jersey federal prosecutor’s office in over a decade. Her resignation comes amid heightened scrutiny of federal prosecutions in politically sensitive cases. The vacancy has prompted internal discussions within the Department of Justice about interim leadership, with Acting U.S. Attorney John M. Smith confirmed to assume duties effective December 9, 2025. The transition may affect the pace of ongoing investigations, particularly those involving former senior Trump administration officials. The disqualification impacts at least three active cases in the district, including one involving a former White House aide and another concerning campaign finance violations tied to a 2020 election-related initiative. These cases, previously under Habba’s oversight, will now be reassigned to other prosecutors within the office. The change underscores the challenges of balancing legal ethics with high-profile political appointments in federal law enforcement.