Who is Desiree Leigh Grace: Alina Habba's Replacement Fired Only Hours After Appointment for Being a 'Rogue Judge'

A dramatic day gripped New Jersey's justice system on 22 July 2025 when Attorney General Pam Bondi sparked a constitutional crisis by firing Desiree Leigh Grace just hours after federal judges appointed her as US Attorney for New Jersey, denouncing the move as a 'rogue' attack on presidential authority.

The unprecedented clash between the Justice Department and New Jersey's district court judges unfolded with lightning speed. Grace's morning appointment with federal judges was met with immediate resistance from Bondi, who branded the newly appointed prosecutor a 'rogue judge' and terminated her before she could settle into her office.

Who is Desiree Leigh Grace

According to Newsweek, Desiree Leigh Grace has held senior roles as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey since 2016. She rose through the ranks, leading the Violent Crimes Unit and, more recently, the Criminal Division.

Grace served as First Assistant to the US attorney before her brief tenure. With degrees from the University of Maryland and Seton Hall Law School, Grace also held judicial clerkships and once worked for McCarter & English LLP.

Her tenure earned her the strong respect of her peers. She is known as 'Desi' in legal circles and received a standing ovation at a 2024 alumni event. Grace built a reputation tackling gang violence and healthcare fraud.

Desiree Leigh Grace, a Rogue Judge?

Grace's appointment occurred because Alina Habba's interim term as US attorney lapsed, opening the legal pathway for district judges to select a replacement if the Senate did not confirm a nominee within 120 days. Soon after, Pam Bondi removed Grace, attacking the judges' move as a direct threat to presidential authority.

Bondi (via Fox News) said that the DOJ 'does not tolerate rogue judges — especially when they threaten the President's core Article II powers.' Bondi publicly accused the judges of being politically motivated, sharing on X that 'the First Assistant United States Attorney in New Jersey has just been removed.'

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added: 'When judges act like activists, they undermine confidence in our justice system.'

The Trump administration insisted the action supported executive authority. Meanwhile, Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim sharply criticised Grace's firing, highlighting concerns over judicial independence.

DOJ Wants Alina Habba Back

The Department of Justice announced plans to reappoint Alina Habba, despite a pending legal dispute. Habba, first sworn in on 28 March 2025, faced controversy from the outset. Before entering government, she was known chiefly as US President Donald Trump's legal adviser during both campaign and court actions.

Her actions as US attorney included authorising the arrest — later dropped — of Newark mayor Ras Baraka, drawing criticism from opponents and the bench. She was denounced for minimal experience in prosecution and accused of politicising her office, notably saying she wanted to 'turn New Jersey red.'

Senators Booker and Kim bluntly opposed her confirmation, citing what they called 'frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions.' The White House, however, maintained total confidence in Habba.

Deputy AG Blanche and spokesperson Harrison Fields reiterated Trump's support for Habba continuing in her role. As of press time, New Jersey's top prosecutor remains undecided, leaving ongoing uncertainty inside one of America's busiest legal districts.

The rapid-fire appointment and dismissal leave New Jersey without clear prosecutorial leadership at a critical moment. Legal experts are scrambling to find precedent for such a confrontation between judicial and executive branches.

As the dust settles, New Jersey finds itself at the centre of a constitutional storm that could reshape how federal prosecutors are appointed across America. The implications stretch far beyond the Garden State's borders.