Alina Habba, Lawyer, Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey

News Summary

Alina Habba, a former defense attorney for President Trump, has been appointed as the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. This move positions her at the center of federal legal issues amid rising crime and ongoing political scrutiny. Habba steps into the role succeeding John Giordano, who recently took on ambassadorship duties. With her background primarily in civil law and a contentious track record, questions loom regarding her effectiveness in addressing New Jersey’s crime challenges and navigating her controversial past.

Alina Habba Takes the Helm as Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey

In a surprising twist of legal and political dynamics, Alina Habba, a former defense attorney for President Donald Trump, has been appointed as the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. The announcement was made on March 24, 2025, coinciding almost perfectly with her 41st birthday, which falls the next day. This new role places Habba in the spotlight of federal legal proceedings amid a backdrop of rising crime and political criticism in the state.

From Courtrooms to the U.S. Attorney’s Office

Habba succeeds John Giordano, who is taking on a new role as the U.S. ambassador to Namibia. Giordano had earlier assumed the position of interim U.S. attorney just weeks prior. Unlike many U.S. attorneys who often come with extensive backgrounds in state or local prosecution, Habba’s experience is primarily rooted in civil law, having defended Trump in an array of lawsuits, which included her notable participation in a high-profile defamation case involving E. Jean Carroll.

Under the banner of her small law firm situated near Trump’s Bedminster golf course, Habba has been a vocal presence, not only in legal arenas but also as a senior advisor for Trump’s political action committee. She has managed to balance her courtroom responsibilities while participating actively on the campaign trail.

Addressing Crime in New Jersey

The new interim U.S. attorney takes office amidst rising concerns regarding crime in New Jersey. In her initial statements, Habba has expressed her intention to collaborate with Attorney General Pam Bondi to implement initiatives that align with the president’s agenda of “putting America first.” Notably, she has called out Democratic officials like Senator Cory Booker and Governor Phil Murphy for their handling of crime-related issues in the state, branding New Jersey as a “neglected state” struggling with escalating crime rates.

While Camden officials tout a remarkable drop in violent crime rates—reportedly at a 55-year low—data from Newark shows a mix of trends. Homicide rates may have seen a decline, but a worrying surge in other crime metrics in 2024 has raised eyebrows, leading to questions about Habba’s approach to tackling these complex issues.

Controversies and Challenges Ahead

Habba steps into her role amidst a backdrop of criticism for her previous engagements and legal missteps. During the E. Jean Carroll trial, she faced reprimand from Judge Lewis A. Kaplan for handling procedural matters incorrectly. Additionally, a legal misadventure in January 2023 saw both Habba and Trump fined nearly $1 million for filing a lawsuit that was classified as frivolous against Hillary Clinton.

Her limited experience in federal court contrasts sharply with the traditional qualifications seen in U.S. attorneys. Most notably, she has spent more time working in state courts and minor civil disputes, such as a 2021 case involving reality television star Siggy Flicker and her disabled Facebook account.

Looking Forward: An Uncertain Future

The future of Habba’s tenure as interim U.S. attorney remains uncertain. Given President Trump’s pattern of appointing temporary office heads rather than allowing career officials to step in, it raises questions about the long-term implications for governance in New Jersey. Habba’s predecessor, Giordano, notably had a more traditional prosecutorial background, having previously served as a federal prosecutor.

As Habba navigates her new responsibilities, her ability to reconcile her controversial past—marked by criticism related to her comments on fired federal veterans—and her commitment to crime reduction strategies will be pivotal. Whether her appointment will lead to substantive changes or further complications in the state’s legal landscape remains to be seen.