Donald Trump announced on Sunday the appointment of Alina Habba, a prominent lawyer from New Jersey, as counselor to the president. Known for her vigorous defense of Trump over the past two years, Habba has been a strong advocate on the campaign trail and even spoke at the Republican National Convention. In a statement, Trump lauded her for her “unwavering loyalty” and “unmatched resolve.”
At 40 years old and a mother of three, Habba describes herself as a “devout Catholic, a proud first-generation Arab American woman, and a feisty Jersey girl.” With Chaldean Catholic roots that trace back to Iraq, Habba has emphasized her cultural heritage throughout her career.
The Office of Counsel to the President plays a crucial role, advising on legal matters surrounding policy, legislation, ethics, financial disclosures, and judicial selections, while also overseeing presidential pardons and managing lawsuits against the president.
Habba transitioned from a small law firm to prominence after joining Trump’s legal team in 2021, where she gained attention by taking on high-profile cases, including lawsuits involving family members and accusations of defamation. Despite a mixed record in court, Habba has remained a steadfast supporter of Trump, often defending him against what she terms “sham indictments and baseless allegations.”
Her background is also notable; Habba graduated from the Kent Place School and earned her law degree from Widener University. She has credited her family’s flight from Iraq due to religious persecution as influential in shaping her views and commitment to her community.
Habba has been actively engaging with Michigan’s Chaldean community to gather support for Trump, who is attempting to rebuild ties after controversial deportations during his administration. In his recent rallies, Trump has made efforts to reconnect with this demographic, emphasizing support for the protection of Christians in Iraq.
In addition to Habba, Trump has named Dr. Janette Nesheiwat and Massad Boulos as fellow Arab Americans in his Cabinet. Notably, Habba’s appointment aligns with Trump’s effort to strengthen ties with Arab and Middle Eastern communities, especially in light of critical social and economic issues they face.
This appointment not only highlights Trump’s commitment to diversifying his advisory team but also showcases the growing recognition of Arab American voices in U.S. politics. With Habba stepping into this influential role, there is potential for enhancing communication and addressing concerns relevant to minority communities, thus fostering a more inclusive dialogue in the administration.
In summary, Alina Habba’s appointment as counselor to the president represents a significant milestone for both her personal career and for the representation of Arab Americans in political spheres, indicating a hopeful future for diverse voices in governance.