WASHINGTON D.C. – In a highly contentious move, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Tuesday that she had removed Desiree Leigh Grace from her position as the new US Attorney for the District of New Jersey, just hours after Grace was appointed by a panel of federal judges. This swift action came after the judges refused to extend Alina Habba’s tenure in the role, opting instead for Grace, who had served as Habba’s deputy.
Bondi’s decision has ignited immediate backlash and widespread criticism, with many questioning the legality and implications of her intervention.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Attorney General Bondi directly addressed the situation, stating, “Alina Habba has been doing a great job in making NJ safe again. Nonetheless, politically minded judges refused to allow her to continue in her position, replacing Alina with the First Assistant.”
She continued, “Accordingly, the First Assistant United States Attorney in New Jersey has just been removed. This Department of Justice does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President’s core Article II powers.”
This statement suggests a direct challenge to the judiciary’s authority in appointing interim US Attorneys when a vacancy arises and the President has not yet nominated a permanent replacement. Under federal law, if a US Attorney’s term expires or they resign, the Attorney General can appoint an interim US Attorney for a limited period, or the district court for that district can make the appointment. In this case, the federal judges had exercised their prerogative to appoint Grace.
Immediate Backlash and Concerns
The move triggered immediate and strong reactions across social media platforms, with users expressing outrage and raising concerns about the Department of Justice’s actions.
One critical comment highlighted the perceived injustice and potential void created by Bondi’s decision: “Wait…so you fired/demoted an innocent career USDOJ prosecutor (the First Assistant US Attorney)…to protest the vote of the 3 dozen district judges not to keep Habba? What exactly does that accomplish, other than a management void?”
Another user questioned the legal basis of Bondi’s intervention, stating, “It’s unclear whether Bondi has the authority to fire Grace since the appointment was made by the judiciary, not the President, pursuant to a standing order.” This comment points to a potential constitutional clash over the separation of powers and the process of appointing federal prosecutors.
A third individual sharply criticized Bondi’s character and competence: “Pam Bondi is the most corrupt AG in US history. She may be the most corrupt person to ever serve in any position in the US judiciary. I can’t think of anyone more corrupt or incompetent. Anyone weaker. Just a puppet of Trump.”
Another concerned user wrote, “Federal judges fired Alina Habba after her term expired. Trump’s AG Pam Bondi overruled them — reinstating Habba and calling the judges ‘rogue.’ This isn’t justice. This is a lawless regime, hijacking the courts to protect its own.”
The controversy underscores a growing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly concerning appointments within the Department of Justice. Critics argue that Bondi’s action undermines judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in the federal prosecution system. The situation in New Jersey is expected to continue to draw significant attention and legal scrutiny in the coming days.