In an escalation of a fight with the judiciary,Attorney General Pam Bondisaid the official who was set to replacePresident Donald Trump's former lawyer as the top federal prosecutor for 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," Bondi announced ina post on X July 22. Earlier in the day, a panel of judgesdeclined to permanently appoint Alina Habba, whomTrump chose to be the interim U.S. attorneyfor the District of New Jersey in March. That set up Desiree Grace, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, for the top role in the office. The Justice Department didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, including on whether Grace has been completely removed from the Justice Department and what the announcement means for the top New Jersey prosecutorial role. Grace has served in the New Jersey office for almost nine years, according toher LinkedIn page. She couldn't be immediately reached for comment. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Alina Habba's successor out as judges declined to appoint Trump's pick
