Overview

• U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann ruled last week that Alina Habba served unlawfully beyond her 120‑day interim limit as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor, with enforcement paused while the Justice Department pursues an appeal.
• President Trump escalated pressure overnight and at a Monday White House event, railing against blue slips and vowing a lawsuit to challenge the practice he says blocks his judicial and U.S. attorney picks.
• Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley responded Monday on X that nominees lacking home‑state support do not have the votes to clear committee or the floor, noting Habba’s nomination was withdrawn and never formally submitted for vetting.
• Sen. Thom Tillis has pledged to vote against any district judge or U.S. attorney nominee without home‑state backing, a stance that would sink nominees even if Grassley relaxed the tradition.
• Habba criticized Grassley and Tillis in Fox News interviews and accused New Jersey federal judges of “collusion,” while Democratic Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim continue to block her path under the blue‑slip courtesy.