Judge Appoints Robert Frazer As New Jersey U.S. Attorney
Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb appointed career prosecutor Robert Frazer on Monday after months of legal disputes over Alina Habba and other Justice Department picks.
NBC NewsNew federal prosecutor to take the helm in New Jersey after months of upheaval
The Gateway PunditJudge Appoints Prosecutor to Replace Alina Habba as New US Attorney in New Jersey | The Gateway Pundit | by Cristina Laila
Washington ExaminerJudges appoint US attorney in New Jersey to replace Alina Habba
Associated PressJudge appoints new US attorney for New Jersey after Habba, other officials were disqualified
Overview
Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb signed a one-sentence order on Monday appointing career prosecutor Robert Frazer as U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
The appointment follows nearly a year of upheaval after President Donald Trump named Alina Habba interim U.S. attorney in March 2025 and courts later found some administration appointments unlawful.
Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim said the administration tried to "circumvent the law" and welcomed meeting Frazer, while Alina Habba publicly congratulated him, officials and social media posts showed.
Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed a trio — Philip Lamparello, Jordan Fox and Ari Fontecchio — to share authority, but Judge Matthew Brann disqualified those officials, court filings show.
The Justice Department said Frazer's appointment followed consultations with the district court so criminal prosecutions can resume without needless challenge or delay.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the story in straightforward, factual terms, attributing evaluative language to judges and officials while balancing perspectives. They report the court rulings, DOJ statement thanking the court, note Habba’s social post, and describe procedural outcomes (appointments, disqualifications) without using editorialized language or omitting key viewpoints.
FAQ
Robert Frazer is a career prosecutor with over 20 years in the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s office, currently serving as senior trial counsel in the organized crime and gangs unit. He has worked under four presidents.
Alina Habba was ruled ineligible by Federal Judge Matthew Brann and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which found her appointment as interim U.S. Attorney unlawful.
Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Philip Lamparello, Jordan Fox, and Ari Fontecchio to share U.S. Attorney duties, but Judge Matthew Brann ruled that Bondi lacked authority for this alternative structure.
Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim welcomed it for bringing stability; Alina Habba congratulated him; former Gov. Chris Christie praised his judgment and experience; the Justice Department noted consultations with the court.
The District Court used a 160-year-old power to fill prosecutorial vacancies when the position is vacant under certain circumstances, bypassing the usual presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
