Trump’s US Attorney Nominee for New Jersey Faces Hurdles Despite Strong Law Enforcement Backing
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s nominee for New Jersey’s U.S. attorney has secured endorsements from prominent law enforcement officials across the country. However, she still encounters obstacles from Democratic senators in the state, ahead of her interim term’s expiration in less than two weeks.
Alina Habba, a local from New Jersey who currently holds the position of the state’s chief prosecutor, received notable support from organizations such as the National Troopers Coalition, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the National Police Defense Foundation following her nomination in March.
Special Agent Ricky Patel, head of Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, expressed his strong endorsement in a letter dated June 27, praising Habba’s remarkable dedication and work ethic, stating, “I can think of no one better suited than USA Habba; her commitment to helping people is evident.”
The National Association of Police Organizations, which represents over 250,000 law enforcement officers nationwide, has also recognized Habba for her active pursuit of gang and drug-related crimes in a letter sent to Senate Judiciary Committee leaders on July 14.
The NAPO president pointed to a recent operation that led to the arrest of 24 gang members involved in a drug trafficking network in Newark as a testament to her effective leadership and impact on community safety.
In a July 11 letter, the board of the National Troopers Coalition supported Habba, 41, commending her collaborative approach with local law enforcement and her relentless efforts to tackle issues such as gang violence and illegal drugs.
Earlier in the year, in a move that drew criticism, Habba charged Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal officers and arrested Newark’s Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka during a protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Previously a lawyer for Trump, Habba was nominated for a full four-year term on July 1. Her interim term, which began on March 24, is set to conclude on July 22.
This timeline poses challenges for the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance her confirmation and for Republicans to facilitate a vote in the Senate.
While New Jersey federal judges could appoint her permanently, she may face significant resistance in a predominantly blue state, reminiscent of John Sarcone III’s unsuccessful bid to head the upstate New York U.S. attorney’s office.
Compounding her challenges, New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim have voiced their objections to Trump’s nominee, potentially delaying the confirmation process.
In a joint statement issued following Habba’s nomination, the senators insisted that New Jersey deserves a U.S. attorney with substantial law enforcement experience, a reputation free of partisanship, and a commitment to community safety and justice. They criticized Habba for allegedly compromising the integrity of the office and pursuing politically motivated prosecutions, stating, “It’s clear that Alina Habba does not meet the standard to serve the people of New Jersey.”
Typically, senators engage with U.S. attorney nominees from their state during the appointment process; however, neither senator has yet met with Habba.
Booker has reportedly indicated his intention to withhold his blue slip, a procedural maneuver that could effectively block her confirmation.
The “blue slip” policy provides senators with the ability to impede nominees from their state, a power that is seldom exercised out of respect for presidential nominations. Recently, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) used this strategy to stall the confirmation of Jay Clayton, Trump’s nominee for Manhattan U.S. attorney, though Clayton was later appointed on an interim basis.
Representatives for Senators Kim and Booker did not respond to requests for comments.
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