Who is Alina Habba? From Trump’s fierce defender to Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey

Alina Habba has built a reputation as one of Donald Trump’s most loyal and aggressive attorneys. Known for her fiery courtroom presence and relentless defense of the former president, she has now been appointed as Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

This marks a dramatic shift in her career, taking her from defending Trump in controversial legal battles to leading a team of federal prosecutors.

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Alina Habba's early career and legal beginnings

As a graduate of Widener University Commonwealth Law School, she began her career as a lawyer with a clerkship under Judge Eugene Codey Jr. for a year in New Jersey's Superior Court. She then spent the following years focused on commercial litigation, corporate disputes and employment law.

Habba later started her own legal firm in 2020, Habba, Madaio & Associates based in Bedminster, New Jersey, with an office in New York City.

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What Alina Habba's appointment as U.S. Attorney means

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, his social media platform, praising Habba's unwavering commitment to his legal battles. “She will lead with the same diligence and conviction that has defined her career,” Trump stated.

Despite lacking prosecutorial experience, she is set to lead a team of approximately 150 federal prosecutors; which is certainly something Trump's critics have not ignored. While Donald Trump's praise has certainly bolstered Alina Habba's profile, it has also raised questions about whether her appointment is based on merit or loyalty.

However, she has declared that this new role is a huge honor for her and is grateful to President Donald Trump for the responsibility. Habba, has also pledged to "end the weaponization of justice" in a new X post.