President Donald Trump’s administration sidestepped tradition this week and criticized judges who sought to bypass his ally as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey — a pattern that may repeat itself in other Democratic-leaning states.

The Trump administration believes a complex procedural maneuver will allow the president’s former personal lawyer to remain in the position.

NEWARK, New Jersey — Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) appeared in court Wednesday morning in front U.S. District Court Judge Jamel Semper on a trio of charges following a May scuffle outside a federal immigration facility. “Your honor, I plead not guilty,” she said.