President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he appointed Alina Habba, his former personal attorney and spokesperson, as New Jersey’s interim U.S. attorney. Habba is now the first of Trump’s former legal associates to serve in this prominent Justice Department position.
A History of Legal Advocacy for Trump
Habba previously defended Trump in civil trials related to lawsuits filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James and writer E. Jean Carroll. Both cases resulted in significant financial penalties for Trump, who is currently appealing these rulings. Habba’s appointment marks a continuation of Trump’s influence over the Justice Department.
A New Jersey Native’s Commitment to Justice
I am honored to serve my home state of New Jersey as interim U.S. attorney, and I am thankful to President Trump for entrusting me with this immense responsibility,” Habba stated. She emphasized her ongoing commitment to fighting for truth and justice, drawing from her time as Trump’s personal attorney.
Habba’s Experience and New Challenges
Although lacking prosecutorial experience, Habba previously ran a small civil litigation firm before her appointment. Consequently, she will oversee about 150 federal prosecutors in New Jersey. This role has served as a stepping stone for several conservatives, including Justice Samuel Alito and former Governor Chris Christie.

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Uncertainty About Her Permanent Appointment
It remains unclear whether Trump plans to make Habba’s appointment permanent, as he has done with other interim prosecutors. Habba declined to comment on the potential duration of her role or whether she plans to seek the position long-term.
A Controversial Legal Journey
In 2021, Habba made headlines by filing a $100 million lawsuit against The New York Times and Mary L. Trump. Although the case was dismissed, she quickly built a reputation for her aggressive legal tactics. Subsequently, she became known for defending Trump in civil trials against James and Carroll. Consequently, her legal career gained significant attention due to these high-profile cases.
Sanctions and Political Stance
Habba faced sanctions for filing a 2022 lawsuit targeting several of Trump’s political adversaries, including Hillary Clinton. The lawsuit was deemed “baseless,” and Habba and Trump were fined nearly one million dollars. Throughout her career, Habba has maintained a strong political stance, often speaking out against Trump’s political opponents.
Directing Her Focus on New Jersey’s Challenges
Habba’s remarks on Monday showed no signs of softening her criticism of Democratic leadership in New Jersey. “There is corruption, injustice, and rampant crime right in Cory Booker’s district and under Governor Murphy’s watch, and that will stop,” she declared, signaling a tough approach to her new role.