Politics
High-Profile Trump Adviser Steps Down from White House Role After Two Months
By Jake Beardslee · March 24, 2025
Trump Adviser Alina Habba Exits White House, Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey
In the first notable departure of President Trump’s new administration, senior adviser Alina Habba is exiting her White House role to serve as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Formerly Trump’s personal lawyer and a key figure in his campaign, Habba’s appointment marks a strategic reshuffling within the Department of Justice. Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Trump Praises Habba’s Appointment, Emphasizes ‘Fair and Just’ Legal System
“Alina will lead with the same diligence and conviction that has defined her career, and she will fight tirelessly to secure a Legal System that is both ‘Fair and Just’ for the wonderful people of New Jersey,” Trump announced on Truth Social. GREG LOVETT/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Habba Joins Growing List of Trump Legal Allies in Federal Roles
Habba joins a growing list of Trump’s personal legal allies elevated to top federal roles, including criminal defense attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove. Her move is part of a broader strategy to place loyalists in influential legal positions as Trump continues to battle a series of lawsuits and legal judgments. Michael M. Santiago/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
Habba Vows to End ‘Weaponization of Justice’ in New Role
Expressing pride in her appointment, Habba stated, “Just like I did during my time as President Trump’s personal attorney, I will continue to fight for truth and justice. We will end the weaponization of justice, once and for all.” Jasper Colt-USA TODAY
John Giordano Replaced as U.S. Attorney, Tapped for Namibia Ambassadorship
Replacing interim U.S. Attorney John Giordano, Trump noted Giordano would now be nominated as ambassador to Namibia. jorono / Pixabay
Habba’s Legal Career Includes Major Trump Cases Now Under Appeal
Habba has long served as a vocal defender of Trump, both in and outside of courtrooms. She previously represented him in the high-profile New York civil fraud case, which culminated in a judgment now exceeding $500 million. She also acted as his attorney in the defamation suit brought by E. Jean Carroll, which resulted in an $83 million verdict—both cases currently under appeal. Steven Hirsch/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
Tensions in Court: Habba Challenges Judge During Defamation Trial
During the Carroll trial, Habba clashed with federal judge Lewis Kaplan over procedural rulings and delays. At one point, when Kaplan refused to postpone proceedings for the funeral of Trump’s mother-in-law, Habba pushed back, stating, “I don’t like to be spoken to that way, Your Honor.” Angela Weiss/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
Court Sanctions Habba and Trump in Dismissed Clinton Conspiracy Case
Her legal tactics haven’t always gone smoothly. In a Florida case that accused Hillary Clinton and other Democrats of conspiring against Trump, the court imposed nearly $1 million in sanctions on both Trump and Habba for what the judge called misuse of the court system “to seek revenge on political adversaries.” qimono / Pixabay