WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump 's former personal lawyer, Alina Habba, said on Thursday that she would seek to remain as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey despite a judicial decision this week not to extend her appointment. Habba's statement marked the latest challenge by the Trump administration to oversight by federal courts.

The White House threw its support behind Habba after federal judges in New Jersey didn't extend her term as interim U.S. attorney.

Attorney General Pam Bondi fired newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Desiree Leigh Grace.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for President Donald Trump, accused Democrats of using a "smear campaign" in an attempt to oust acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. As Habba's 120-day appointment as interim U.