A stunned Washington froze as Alina Habba’s voice trembled with resolve in a December 9, 2025, X post, announcing her resignation as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after a federal appeals court ruled her appointment unlawful.
Habba, Trump’s longtime civil lawyer appointed controversially in February 2025, posted a 3-minute video from her office, eyes glistening yet defiant: “Today the Third Circuit ruled my appointment violated the Appointments Clause—political activism from activist judges. I resign effective immediately, but this fight isn’t over. The radical left weaponizes courts against President Trump’s agenda. We’ll see them in the Supreme Court.”
The ruling, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, struck down Habba’s recess appointment, citing Senate confirmation requirements for U.S. Attorneys. Critics had challenged it from day one, alleging lack of prosecutorial experience and conflict of interest from prior Trump representation.
Habba’s resignation—raw, unyielding—ignited partisan fire: MAGA called it “judicial coup”; Democrats hailed “rule of law.” The post, viewed 45 million times, trended #HabbaResigns with 5.2 million posts (split 60/40). Trump raged on Truth Social: “Alina—best lawyer ever! Deep state judges strike again!”
As Epstein Files Transparency Act disclosures loomed (deadline December 19), Habba’s trembling resolve—loyalty unbroken—underscored Washington’s fractures: appointments challenged, power contested.
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