President Donald Trump attended the swearing-in ceremony of his former personal attorney Alina Habba as interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, marking a significant transition from defending him against political prosecutions to serving in his administration.
At a Glance
- President Trump personally attended Habba’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday, March 28
- Habba previously served as Trump’s personal attorney through numerous political prosecutions
- The appointment positions a key Trump ally in a significant Justice Department role
- Trump took questions from the press during the ceremony
- Habba recently appeared on The Alex Marlow Show discussing her work with Trump
From Personal Attorney to U.S. Attorney
Alina Habba was sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey on Friday, with President Donald Trump in attendance to support his former personal attorney. The ceremony represents a significant career shift for Habba, who previously stood by Trump’s side through numerous legal battles that his supporters viewed as politically motivated prosecutions designed to derail his return to the White House. Her transition from representing Trump in private practice to serving in his administration reflects the president’s tendency to appoint allies who have demonstrated loyalty.
During the ceremony, Trump took questions from members of the press, highlighting the significance of the appointment and the continued media interest surrounding his administration’s legal team. Habba’s appointment comes as Trump begins his second term with promises to reorganize the Justice Department, which many conservatives believe was weaponized against him during his first term and the years between his administrations. Her new role places her in a key position within the federal prosecution system.
I am honored to serve my home state of New Jersey as Interim U.S. Attorney and I am grateful to President Trump for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility. Just like I did during my time as President Trump’s personal attorney, I will continue to fight for truth and…
— Alina Habba (@AlinaHabba) March 24, 2025
Defending Against Political Prosecutions
Before joining the administration, Habba gained prominence as one of Trump’s most visible attorneys, representing him through a series of legal challenges that many conservatives viewed as politically motivated. Her defense work included cases brought by New York prosecutors and federal investigations that Trump repeatedly characterized as a “witch hunt.” The experience she gained fighting these cases gives her unique insight into what Trump supporters see as the politically motivated use of prosecutorial power, potentially informing her approach to her new position.
Habba’s appointment represents a significant shift in how the Justice Department will operate in Trump’s second term. After facing what his supporters considered unfair prosecution attempts, Trump has placed a trusted legal ally in a position to influence federal prosecutions in New Jersey. This move aligns with his campaign promises to reform what many conservatives view as a two-tiered justice system that has targeted political opponents while protecting establishment figures.
Media Engagement and Public Profile
In addition to her legal work, Habba has maintained a public-facing role as a defender of Trump’s policies and legal positions. She recently appeared on The Alex Marlow Show, where she discussed her experiences working with Trump and the challenges of navigating the complex legal landscape during politically charged times. This media engagement has made her one of the more recognizable figures in Trump’s legal orbit, with a communication style that resonates with his base of supporters.
The appointment of Habba reflects the ongoing reorganization of federal law enforcement under Trump’s second administration. While critics may express concern about appointing close allies to such positions, supporters view it as necessary to clean up what they see as corruption and bias within the Justice Department. Her swearing-in ceremony, attended by the President himself, underscores the importance Trump places on having trusted figures in key legal positions as he implements his agenda for his second term.
