A federal judge has appointed a new United States attorney for the District of New Jersey, ending a dispute between the judiciary and US President Donald Trump’s administration over control of the office.
In a brief order issued Monday, the court named veteran federal prosecutor Robert Fraser to lead the office.
The appointment follows an agreement between federal judges and the US Justice Department after earlier appointees were disqualified.
“The Department of Justice thanks the District Court for working with the Department to appoint Robert Fraser as U.S. Attorney so that criminal prosecutions can once again begin without unnecessary challenge or delay on behalf of the people of New Jersey,” the department said in a statement.
The move follows a ruling earlier this month by U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann that three Justice Department officials who oversee the office were unlawfully appointed.
She replaced Trump’s initial choice, Alina Habba, who had already been barred from the role after remaining in office without Senate confirmation.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the courts and the administration over how US attorneys are selected. Judges have ruled against similar appointments in other jurisdictions, including Nevada, Los Angeles and northern New York.
Under US law, federal judges can temporarily appoint prosecutors until a presidential nominee is confirmed by the Senate.
