Top federal prosecutors in New Jersey are leaving their jobs in large numbers, furious over what they say is the complete politicization of their office by Alina Habba — a close ally of President Donald Trump and his former personal lawyer.
Habba, 41, was appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey by Trump just months ago. Not long after taking the job, she told staff she planned to “turn New Jersey red” — openly declaring her intention to use the independent, non-political post for partisan gain.
According to The New York Times, that wasn’t just bluster. In the short time she’s held the position, Habba has gutted the office’s credibility, morale, and mission. Sixteen sources inside the office told the Times she has:
Prosecuted Democratic lawmakers seemingly for political purposes,
Dropped a major long-running corruption case just days before trial,
Given special treatment to a felon connected to GOP figures, and
Completely shut down the office’s Civil Rights Division.
“She’s doing Trump’s bidding, not the people’s work,” said one source close to the situation.
Prosecutors aren’t waiting around to see what’s next. Many have already quit or are looking for new jobs. Even Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Demanovich, a senior figure in the office, resigned after a judge called out the team’s conduct under Habba.
U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa lashed out at the prosecution in May after Habba charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka over a protest incident. When those charges were abruptly dropped and a new indictment was filed against Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver, Espinosa called it a “hasty arrest” and an “embarrassing retraction of charges.”
Even judges, usually quiet about internal DOJ matters, are alarmed.
Habba’s political ambitions — and social media history — aren’t helping her cause. Before her appointment, she praised accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate online and mocked laid-off military veterans who lost their jobs in Elon Musk’s mass firings.
Inside the U.S. Attorney’s office, some prosecutors say Habba hung three framed photos of herself in a conference room named after a legendary federal crime-fighter, Frederick B. Lacey.
“She doesn’t understand what this office stands for,” one former staffer told the Times.
Habba is trying to hold onto her job. Trump has nominated her to take the position permanently, but her chances in the Senate appear slim. New Jersey’s Democratic senators have strongly opposed her confirmation, accusing her of turning the office into a political weapon.
Habba has declined to speak to reporters. She’s been holding one-on-one meetings with remaining staff, trying to convince them to stay and trust that she’ll “bring stability” if given more time.
Last week, she gave what one person described as a tearful “pre-emptive farewell” speech — just in case her time runs out before the Senate acts.
Her future may now rest with the state’s federal judges, who have the power to extend her temporary role. But even Habba admitted during a meeting that it’s unlikely.
Her brief time as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor has already left the office deeply shaken — and more empty by the day.
