Judge Rejects White House Prosecutors in New Jersey

Ruling says 3 federal prosecutors are serving illegally in the state

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled that three federal prosecutors running the U.S. Attorney's Office in the state are serving illegally, rejecting the White House's appointments. The judge accused the administration of prioritizing who is running the office over whether it is running at all, and warned that relying on improper appointment methods could jeopardize criminal cases.

Why it matters

The dispute is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing battle over the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding the appointment of federal prosecutors. The ruling underscores concerns about the White House circumventing the Senate confirmation process for these key law enforcement positions.

The details

Judge Matthew Brann, a conservative-leaning Obama appointee, issued the ruling after earlier decisions that pushed out Trump ally Alina Habba from the top leadership post in the New Jersey office. Habba, now at the Justice Department in Washington, dismissed the decision as "ridiculous" and an unconstitutional intrusion on executive power. However, Brann accused the White House of prioritizing who is running the office over whether it is running at all, and warned that relying on improper appointment methods could put "scores of dangerous criminals" back on the streets if their cases are tossed or convictions overturned.

  • The ruling was issued on March 10, 2026.

The players

Judge Matthew Brann

A conservative-leaning Obama appointee who issued the ruling against the White House's appointments of federal prosecutors in New Jersey.

Alina Habba

A Trump ally who was previously the top leader in the New Jersey U.S. Attorney's Office, but was pushed out. She is now at the Justice Department in Washington.

President Trump

The president whose administration is involved in the dispute over the appointment of federal prosecutors.

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What they’re saying

“One year into this administration, it is plain that President Trump and his top aides have chafed at the limits of their power set forth by the law and the Constitution.”

— Judge Matthew Brann (Politico)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The three federal prosecutors will remain in place pending an appeal of the judge's ruling.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the appointment of federal prosecutors, underscoring the importance of maintaining the proper checks and balances in the system of government.