On Monday, President Trump announced that Alina Habba, who has been serving as his advisor at the White House, will take on the role of interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
"Alina will lead with the same dedication and resolve that have characterized her career, and she will work relentlessly to establish a Legal System that is truly 'Fair and Just' for the amazing people of New Jersey," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Habba’s new appointment signifies the first time a high-ranking official leaves the White House. In contrast to the initial Trump administration, there has been minimal staff changes during the early stages under this presidency. Additionally, she becomes part of the group of Trump’s private legal counsel members who were appointed to key positions within the Justice Department, such as Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, both of whom served as his criminal defense attorneys.
Habba formerly served as an attorney for Trump and held a key advisory role in his campaign. In a statement, she expressed her honor at having the opportunity to represent her home state of New Jersey. "Similar to when I acted as President Trump’s personal counsel, I remain committed to advocating for honesty and fairness," Habba stated. "We aim to finally put an end to the misuse of legal processes."
In his posting, Trump stated that he would appoint John Giordano, who previously served as the acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, as the ambassador to Namibia.
Habba has consistently defended the president vigorously inside the courthouse as well as before television audiences during the numerous legal challenges he encountered between his presidential terms. Prior to her work with Trump, she focused mainly on civil litigation at a smaller law practice in New Jersey.
"I am looking forward to collaborating with Pam Bondi from the Department of Justice, ensuring that we advance the president’s strategy focused on prioritizing America, addressing issues that need cleanup, and pursuing those who deserve our attention rather than targeting individuals who have been wrongfully accused," Habba stated to reporters at the White House on Monday when asked about the duration of her assignment.
She has served as legal counsel for Trump in multiple lawsuits, one of which includes the civil fraud case initiated by New York’s Attorney General. Trump has filed an appeal against the ruling in this case, where the total amount exceeds $500 million.
She represented Trump during a civil defamation case filed by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll at the trial, leading to an $83 million verdict Opposed to Trump. Trump’s appeal is still under consideration.
Throughout the trial at the Manhattan federal courthouse, Habba frequently clashed with Judge Lewis Kaplan, who occasionally seemed doubtful about her understanding of protocols in federal courts. In response, Habba charged the judge with displaying an "extreme bias" after he refused to delay the proceedings for Trump’s mother-in-law's funeral. She further objected to how he firmly instructed her to take a seat, stating, “Your Honor, I do not appreciate being addressed in such a manner.”
She likewise represented Trump in a federal lawsuit filed in Florida, claiming that Hillary Clinton and other leading Democrats wrongfully connected him to Russia. The judge issued an order. almost $1 million in penalties Against Trump and Habba, stating that Trump is "an experienced and adept legal adversary who keeps utilizing the court system to retaliate against his political opponents."
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