White House adviser Alina Habba sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Tuesday after he condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze federal grant programs, calling the move “lawless” and “unconstitutional.”
During a press conference, Schumer lambasted the administration’s action, stating, “This decision is lawless, dangerous, destructive, cruel. It’s illegal. It’s unconstitutional. I spoke to my [New York] attorney general this morning… They’re going to court right away.”
Habba, in a fiery response during an interview on Fox News, dismissed Schumer’s remarks. “Your attorney general is not the attorney general!” she exclaimed. “We have an attorney general. That will be Pam Bondi.”
She further criticized Schumer’s stance, asserting, “And what your opinion is on what the law is doesn’t really matter. It’s what the White House counsel says and what our attorney general of the United States says. So Chuck can check his attitude at the door, but I’m not really surprised by him.”
Fox News host John Roberts challenged Habba’s claim, pointing out that Bondi has not yet been confirmed as attorney general. “So, Alina, you said a moment ago at the top that we have an attorney general, Pam Bondi. We don’t yet have an attorney general. She may get voted out of the committee tomorrow.
Why are Democrats dragging their feet in getting a confirmation vote for her?” Habba responded, “It’s a real problem. And President Trump’s made it clear that they better cooperate and push our people through.”
The Constitution, however, designates the Supreme Court as the ultimate authority in interpreting laws. According to the court’s website, “The Court is the highest tribunal in the Nation for all cases and controversies arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States.
As the final arbiter of the law, the Court is charged with ensuring the American people the promise of equal justice under law and, thereby, also functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.”
The heated exchange underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders over policy decisions and legal interpretations. Schumer’s threat of legal action signals a potential escalation in the battle over the administration’s authority and the implementation of its policies.