TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump has moved to keep his former defense attorney Alina Habba on the job as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, even though a panel of judges refused to extend her tenure.

Habba signaled that she does not plan to leave her role as the temporary U.S. attorney of New Jersey, announcing she does "not cower" to pressure.

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

A defense attorney is arguing the Trump administration illegally maneuvered to keep Alina Habba as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor, despite the expiration of her tenure.

Trump doubles down on Alina Habba's nomination for U.S. attorney in New Jersey after federal judges declined to extend her interim term, creating confusion over who will assume the role.

The Department of Justice quickly fired the newly named US attorney in New Jersey on Tuesday after federal judges in the state declined to extend Alina Habba’s interim appointment.

Trump’s action avoids a provision of federal law that restricts a person from serving as an acting officer if the president has submitted their nomination to the Senate, according to the report. That law limits her time as acting U.S. attorney to 210 days.