A federal judge has just dealt Donald Trump a major legal setback, and it centers around his former personal attorney, Alina Habba.
Judge Matthew Brann of the Middle District of Pennsylvania ruled that Habba has been illegally serving as U.S. Attorney — first for New York, and more specifically in relation to her appointment in New Jersey. In his decision, Judge Brann wrote:
“Faced with the question of whether Ms. Habba is lawfully performing the functions and duties of the office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, I conclude that she is not.”
Because of this, the judge ordered that Habba must be disqualified from participating in ongoing cases.
Here’s the background: Habba had been serving as interim U.S. Attorney, but her legal term expired last month. Instead of following the normal process for filling the role, Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled her as “acting” U.S. Attorney using a loophole that Judge Brann ruled was outside the law.
According to CNN, the implications of this ruling could reach far beyond Habba. Several other U.S. Attorneys around the country are serving under similar questionable circumstances, which means their positions may also be challenged.
In fact, it was criminal defendants in two separate cases who raised the challenge that led to this ruling, arguing that Habba’s appointment was invalid under federal law. Judge Brann agreed, warning that government cannot simply operate on “handshake agreements” without proper checks and balances.
This decision is more than a legal technicality it’s a reminder of how fragile the balance of power can be when leaders try to sidestep the rules.
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