In an unexpected twist of events, the US Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, dismissed the newly appointed US attorney for the District of New Jersey, Desiree Leigh Grace, just hours after her appointment. Announced via a post on X, this move has stirred a significant controversy and backlash from various political quarters.

Desiree Leigh Grace was appointed early Tuesday to replace Alina Habba, who had been serving as the acting US attorney following her appointment by former President Donald Trump in March. Habba's term was awaiting Senate confirmation when it abruptly ended after 120 days, as per a standing order from Judge Renée Marie Bumb, a George W. Bush appointee. Grace, who was the First Assistant US Attorney for New Jersey, was meant to serve as interim US Attorney.

However, the tenure was short-lived. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on X, "[US Attorney 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. 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 action by the DOJ has raised legal and constitutional questions, as the US Code specifies that the Attorney General does not possess the authority to remove a US Attorney appointed by the district court; such power rests solely with the president.

The decision has provoked strong reactions from Democratic leaders. New Jersey Democrats Cory Booker and Andy Kim expressed their discontent, stating, "Trump’s Department of Justice is once again criticizing a court that acted within its authority, continuing a pattern of publicly undermining judicial decisions and showing disregard for the rule of law and the separation of powers."

The incident marks another chapter in the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive branch, highlighting the complex dynamics of power and governance under the Trump administration. The full implications of this abrupt dismissal are yet to unfold as the political and legal communities continue to grapple with its potential consequences.