confirmed<\/a> the move in court filings, noting it came after discussions between the judiciary and senior department officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrazer steps into the position after a period of uncertainty triggered by Habba\u2019s removal. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann ruled that Habba had been unlawfully serving as U.S. attorney after her 120-day interim term expired. The court rejected a series of efforts by the Trump administration to keep her in the role beyond that limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following Habba\u2019s departure in December, leadership of the office was handed to a group of three prosecutors. That arrangement was also later deemed unlawful by the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the ruling, Habba praised Frazer\u2019s appointment, saying New Jersey \u201cdeserves a great chief federal law enforcement official\u201d aligned with former President Donald Trump\u2019s public safety priorities. She also suggested coordination between federal judges and top Justice Department officials helped move the process forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habba has indicated she may attempt to reclaim the position if a higher court ultimately rules in her favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dispute in New Jersey reflects a broader national clash over the appointment of U.S. attorneys. Several Trump-backed candidates across the country have faced similar challenges as Senate confirmations have stalled. In multiple districts\u2014including Nevada, California, New York, and Virginia\u2014judges have stepped in to remove or decline to extend interim appointees whose terms expired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the center of the conflict is federal vacancy law, which allows district courts to appoint U.S. attorneys when interim terms lapse. Trump allies argue that the president retains sole authority to select prosecutors, even beyond those time limits, while courts have increasingly asserted their statutory role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Senate\u2019s \u201cblue slip\u201d tradition\u2014giving home-state senators the power to block nominees\u2014has further complicated confirmations, contributing to the growing number of vacancies. As a result, only a fraction of U.S. attorney offices nationwide are currently led by Senate-confirmed appointees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n