US EditionFor 2nd time, judge rules top DOJ officials in New Jersey are serving unlawfully
Judge Matthew Brann ruled the three-person leadership unlawfully appointed, violating the Appointments Clause and Senate confirmation rules, risking dismissal of pending cases.
- On March 9, 2026, U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann disqualified Philip Lamparello, Jordan Fox and Ari Fontecchio from overseeing federal prosecutions in New Jersey for violating the Appointments Clause.
- After Alina Habba's removal last year, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed a three-person leadership team to share authority, following Brann's ruling on Senate confirmation delays.
- Brann warned that the leadership structure exceeds Bondi's authority and violates the Appointments Clause, cautioning that further unlawful attempts may lead to case dismissals.
- The judge stayed his order pending appeal and did not immediately dismiss criminal indictments, warning the same issue could affect Justice Department offices nationwide and ordering dismissal of charges against Letitia James, New York Attorney General, and James Comey, former FBI Director.
- The ruling exemplifies a pattern of judicial pushback, with courts in at least five states, including New Jersey, emphasizing Congress's requirement of presidential nomination and Senate confirmation for U.S. Attorneys, a standard for more than 236 years.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Judge Blasts White House, Escalates Prosecutor Fight
A federal judge lit into the White House in ruling that three federal prosecutors running the US attorney's office in New Jersey were serving illegally. The trio will remain in place pending appeal, reports the New York Times . Judge Matthew Brann wrote that the administration "has made clear that it...
Federal Judge Rules Trump-Appointed New Jersey Prosecutors Illegal
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — A federal judge ruled Monday that three prosecutors appointed to oversee the New Jersey attorney general’s office by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi were installed illegally because they lacked Senate confirmation. The ruling follows an earlier court decision that disqualified Alina Habba, a former lawyer for President Donald Trump, from the same role. Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann said the appointments repea…
Judicial Blow To DOJ: "Triumvirate" Running New Jersey Federal Prosecution Declared Unlawful - Tampa Free Press
In a scathing 130-page memorandum opinion filed Monday, Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann ruled that the Department of Justice’s current leadership structure in the District of New Jersey is unconstitutional. The decision effectively dismantles the “triumvirate” of officials appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee the office following the forced resignation of […] Judicial Blow To DOJ: “Triumvirate” Running New Jersey Federal…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
