Alina Habba has emerged as a significant figure in American law and politics, known for her high-profile legal work, particularly her representation of President Donald Trump, and her recent tenure as the acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Born on March 25, 1984, in Summit, New Jersey, Habba graduated from Lehigh University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in political science. After a period working in the fashion industry, she pursued law, earning her Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2010. Her legal career began with a clerkship for a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, followed by private practice specializing in civil and commercial litigation. In 2020, she established her own firm, Habba, Madaio & Associates LLP.
Habba's profile significantly rose with her involvement in Donald Trump's legal team. She represented him in several notable cases, including his defense in the E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuits, the civil fraud case brought by the New York Attorney General, and a lawsuit against The New York Times and Mary Trump. These cases often placed her in the public spotlight, leading to both praise from supporters and criticism regarding her courtroom strategies and conduct.
In late 2024, Habba was appointed as a counselor to the President. In March 2025, she was appointed by President Donald Trump as the acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters in New Jersey. Her tenure as acting U.S. Attorney, however, proved contentious. She brought charges against Democratic officials, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Representative LaMonica McIver, which drew criticism for being politically motivated. The charges against Mayor Baraka were later dropped, leading to a reprimand from a magistrate judge and a subsequent lawsuit against Habba for malicious prosecution.
Her interim appointment as U.S. Attorney expired in July 2025, and federal judges in the district declined to extend her tenure, citing concerns about her lack of prior prosecutorial experience and perceived politically driven actions. While the Department of Justice expressed support for Habba's performance, the judicial decision marked a notable development in her career.
Alina Habba remains a prominent figure, continuing to be a subject of discussion due to her past legal endeavors and her recent role in federal law enforcement.