Judge disqualifies Trump-appointed leadership in New Jersey US attorney’s office

Published March 9, 2026 7:42pm ET



A federal judge ruled Monday that the three attorneys currently leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey are serving unlawfully, escalating the Trump administration’s long-running dispute over who can legally run the federal prosecutor’s office in the state.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann issued a 130-page opinion disqualifying senior counsel Philip Lamparello, executive assistant U.S. attorney Ari Fontecchio, and special attorney Jordan Fox. The trio had been installed to divide the responsibilities of the U.S. attorney role after former acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stepped down in December.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.