President Trump has appointed Alina Habba, his former personal attorney, as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. The announcement was made on TruthSocial, where Trump praised Habba's "diligence and conviction."

Habba, 41, gained national attention as Trump's defender during his legal challenges. A former civil litigator from New Jersey, she joined Trump's circle after becoming a member of his Bedminster golf club. She represented him in lawsuits against The New York Times, Mary Trump, and Hillary Clinton, among others. Notably, she and Trump were fined $1 million for filing what a federal judge deemed a "completely frivolous" lawsuit against Clinton.

The appointment has drawn criticism from legal experts who view it as a conflict of interest. Habba previously served as Trump's White House Counsel following his November 2024 reelection, leading critics to question the political nature of her appointment.

Habba replaces John Giordano, who has been appointed ambassador to Namibia. Her first major case involves prosecuting Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate accused of inciting campus unrest. Her office will oversee federal law enforcement in New Jersey, a state where Trump has frequently clashed with local prosecutors.

Addressing her appointment on X, 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." This statement has intensified concerns about potential political influence in federal prosecutions and the independence of the Justice Department.

The appointment marks a significant shift in the U.S. Attorney's office, with implications for federal law enforcement in New Jersey and broader questions about the separation between political loyalty and legal authority.

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