The acting US Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, resigned on Monday, concluding a contentious three-month term in the high-profile law enforcement role. Habba, 41, who is known for having served as personal counsel to President Donald Trump, made her resignation public via a statement on social media.
Her departure follows a significant ruling by a federal appeals court that determined she was legally unable to hold the position without the mandatory confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Why Habba Criticized Court Judgement
In her farewell message, Habba strongly criticized the court’s judgment as politically driven but asserted that she was choosing to step down to safeguard the “stability and integrity” of the US Attorney’s office.
She emphasized that her compliance was not a sign of defeat, stating, “But do not mistake compliance for surrender,” and confirmed that the administration intends to continue its legal appeal against the rulings that sought to remove her. She added that her decision would not diminish the Justice Department or her personally.
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Habba Highlights Her Brief Tenure
Habba used her departure announcement to highlight her achievements during her brief tenure, praising her team for their work in reducing crime, disrupting violent criminal organizations, and securing significant federal convictions throughout New Jersey.
Her appointment in September faced immediate legal scrutiny, with critics arguing that the law used to justify her temporary placement was being improperly applied given the extended vacancy. This legal challenge over her legitimacy became a major internal distraction, and by resigning, Habba aims to allow the office to return its full focus to law enforcement duties.
Concluding with a personal touch, she remarked, “You can take the girl out of New Jersey, but you cannot take New Jersey out of the girl.” The Department of Justice must now move to nominate a new leader who can successfully navigate the Senate confirmation process for the New Jersey office.
How long has Alina Habba been Serving as Trump Lawyer?
Alina Habba’s legal association with Donald Trump began in 2021 after she met him at a New Jersey golf club, quickly leading to her joining his personal legal team.
Shortly after her hiring, she filed a high-profile lawsuit on his behalf against The New York Times, several reporters, and his niece, Mary L. Trump.
From 2021 until March 2025, she served as a legal spokesperson for President Trump, becoming one of his most recognized and visible legal defenders in various civil matters.
Throughout this period, specifically between 2022 and 2024, she acted as the lead attorney for Trump in several major cases, including the high-profile E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump defamation trial and the complex civil fraud complaint initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Her service to him continued until she transitioned into a government role, first serving as Counselor to the President from January 20, 2025, to March 28, 2025, before her appointment as the interim US Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
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