On Monday, President Trump revealed that he is appointing his longtime ally Alina Habba as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor. She has served as Mr. Trump’s personal attorney for several years, gaining recognition for her aggressive defense against both the media and in legal proceedings.
Mr. Trump made the appointment public on Truth Social, his social media platform. He noted that Habba, a counselor to the president without prior prosecutorial experience, “will lead with the same diligence and conviction that has characterized her career.”
Habba has been closely associated with Mr. Trump for four years, initially filing distinctive, combative lawsuits—such as a failed 2021 attempt to obtain a court order blocking an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James. This investigation culminated in what became one of Habba’s most prominent defenses of the president while he was still a civilian.
“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 significant responsibility,” Habba stated to CBS News, before reflecting on her previous confrontations on Mr. Trump’s behalf. “As I did during my tenure as President Trump’s personal attorney, I will persist in the battle for truth and justice. We will put an end to the weaponization of justice, once and for all.”
Habba was one of six lawyers advocating for Mr. Trump and others during a three-month-long 2023 civil fraud trial that pitted Mr. Trump against James’ office. This case resulted in nearly $500 million in fraud liabilities for Mr. Trump and other defendants from his company, which they are currently appealing. The trial became a backdrop for a campaign narrative that would dominate his presidential campaign and early weeks in office: the vilification of judges who oppose Mr. Trump.
Inside the courtroom, Habba, alongside other lawyers and Mr. Trump, expressed frustration at what they deemed unfair rulings by the judge. Outside, to the assembled media, these perceived injustices fueled a rallying cry for a nascent presidential campaign still months away from its initial primary. Mr. Trump, Habba, and the others voiced their anger towards the magistrate.
During the trial, Habba also conducted arguably the most significant cross-examination of her career, with an intense, hours-long interrogation of Mr. Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen. Mr. Trump observed the proceedings alongside James, as well as defense lawyers and Manhattan prosecutors who would later engage in Mr. Trump’s 2024 criminal trial.
In a series of heated exchanges, Habba compelled the former attorney to acknowledge lying under oath multiple times. A member of Mr. Trump’s legal team later told CBS News that they believed Habba’s efforts in the civil fraud case had strengthened their position in the criminal matter.
Christopher Kise, a former solicitor general of Florida who led Mr. Trump’s team during the fraud trial, praised Habba on Monday. Like Habba and others who have represented Mr. Trump, Kise emphasized conservatives’ assertion that the courts were being “weaponized” against Mr. Trump throughout the four years between his terms in office.
“Alina will be a vigorous and tireless advocate for justice in the District of New Jersey, ensuring that the focus remains on combating crime and protecting families rather than the weaponized tactics of the previous administration,” Kise remarked. “She has repeatedly demonstrated her capability to tackle significant issues and to persevere under intense and challenging circumstances.”
While serving Mr. Trump, Habba experienced major setbacks but maintained her position within his inner circle. The fraud ruling came shortly after an $83 million judgment where a civil federal jury found Mr. Trump liable for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll.
Mr. Trump was present for that trial as well, expressing dissatisfaction towards yet another judge, insinuating their treatment within the courtroom and declaring outside to reporters that they were unfairly judged.
By spring 2024, Mr. Trump’s campaign was intricately linked to his courtroom battles. The rhythm of his seven-week criminal trial in New York included daily interactions with a horde of cameras just outside the courtroom, where Mr. Trump and others aimed to expose what they considered a “rigged” campaign against him.
Although Habba was not part of Mr. Trump’s defense team during this trial, she consistently occupied a prominent seat in the gallery. When the verdict was delivered, Habba and Mr. Trump’s son Eric were the only individuals besides Secret Service agents in that section; all other staff and supporters of the former and future president were seated behind them.
Following Mr. Trump becoming the first former or future president to be convicted of felonies—a verdict he is appealing—Habba began making frequent appearances on the campaign trail, evolving into a near-constant supporter for Mr. Trump both on television and at events.
In December, Mr. Trump appointed Habba as counselor to the president. She announced on Monday her decision to leave the White House to serve in New Jersey.
This new role marks a return to her roots for Habba, whose law firm, Habba Madaio & Associates LLP, is based in Bedminster, New Jersey, just a few miles from one of the president’s golf courses.
It was at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster where their relationship began. Over the years, Mr. Trump has cycled through many lawyers, but few have enjoyed the longevity of Habba’s partnership.
These years have seen Habba’s transition from a firm with fewer than six attorneys to a prominent position in the White House. Now, she is set to lead an office of approximately 150 prosecutors in New Jersey.
