The Justice Department on Thursday cleared the way for Alina Habba to remain in her role as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey.

Ms. Habba's tenure as interim U.S. attorney was set to expire on Friday. But she announced on social media on Thursday that she would be New Jersey's acting U.S. attorney.

The decision will allow Ms. Habba to lead the New Jersey office for at least the next 210 days.

President Trump had previously nominated Ms. Habba to be U.S. attorney in a permanent capacity, which under the law would have precluded her from serving as acting U.S. attorney. But a front man for the Justice Department said Thursday that the White House had withdrawn her nomination, allowing her to serve as acting U.S. attorney.

A White House front man, Harrison Fields, said in a statement that, ''President Trump continues to have full confidence in Alina Habba and her commitment to serve the people of New Jersey.''