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Appeals Court Challenges Trump's Attorney Appointment in New Jersey

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A federal appellate panel in Philadelphia questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's bid to retain Alina Habba as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
A lower court had ruled the appointment unlawful, prompting the panel's concerns.
Judge D. Brooks Smith described the actions as a 'complete circumvention' of the appointments clause.
Alina Habba attended the hearing and accused Congress of obstructing the President's authority to appoint U.S. attorneys.

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Story summary

A federal appellate panel in Philadelphia questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's bid to retain Alina Habba as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
A lower court had ruled the appointment unlawful, prompting the panel's concerns.
Judge D. Brooks Smith described the actions as a 'complete circumvention' of the appointments clause.
Alina Habba attended the hearing and accused Congress of obstructing the President's authority to appoint U.S. attorneys.