It comes after a panel of federal judges in New Jersey declined to extend Habba's term as the state's interim top prosecutor.

The Justice Department confirmed Friday that former Trump defense attorney Alina Habba will keep serving as U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, seemingly using a little-known legal maneuver to keep her in the role after federal judges voted to replace the staunch Trump ally earlier this week—though there still could be a conflict over her authority.

President Donald Trump selected Alina Habba to continue running the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey on a temporary basis, the latest twist in a succession drama after federal judges had picked her top assistant to take her place.