Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has appointed his outspoken lawyer, Alina Habba, from New Jersey, as counselor to the president. Recognized for her steadfast defense of Trump in several lawsuits over the past two years, Habba has actively supported him during his campaign and at the Republican National Convention. Trump praised her for being “unwavering in her loyalty” and “unmatched in her resolve.”
At 40 years old, Habba is a mother of three and hails from Summit, New Jersey. She proudly identifies as a devout Catholic, a first-generation Arab American, and a spirited Jersey girl, emphasizing her Chaldean Catholic heritage, with family roots tracing back to Iraq.
The role of the Office of Counsel to the President includes advising on legal matters related to policy, legislation, ethics, financial disclosures, and conflicts of interest, as well as managing executive appointments and judicial selections. The office also oversees presidential pardons, legislation reviews, and lawsuits involving the president.
Habba, who founded her own small law firm in New Jersey, joined Trump’s team in 2021 after their meeting at his Bedminster country club. Her notable legal engagements include representing Trump in a defamation case involving writer E. Jean Carroll, in which the court found Trump liable, resulting in an $83 million verdict against him. She has also defended Trump against defamation claims from Summer Zervos, a former “Apprentice” contestant, who ultimately withdrew her lawsuit.
In addition to her legal career, Habba has become a prominent advocate for Trump, defending him in media appearances and rallies. She has criticized what she perceives as “sham indictments and baseless allegations” against him, and she pledged that Trump “will build America stronger than ever.”
Educated at the Kent Place School in Summit, Habba holds a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University and a law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Her professional experience includes clerking for Judge Eugene J. Codey Jr. at the New Jersey state Superior Court.
While Habba openly identifies as Arab American, there is a nuanced discussion within her Chaldean community regarding their unique ethnic identity, distinct from Arab identity, as they are indigenous to Iraq and speak Aramaic alongside Arabic. That community has shown political affinity toward conservative values, particularly concerning issues affecting Christians in Iraq, especially in the aftermath of violence following the 2003 U.S. invasion.
After some initial discontent towards Trump’s administration for its 2017 deportation of Iraqi Christians, he has renewed efforts to connect with the Chaldean community, including a recent rally in Michigan where he acknowledged their needs.
Habba is among three Arab Americans appointed to Trump’s Cabinet. Alongside her, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, of Jordanian descent, has been appointed surgeon general, and Massad Boulos, a Lebanese native and father-in-law to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, will serve as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
In a related appointment, Trump has also named Susan “Susie” Wiles as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold this position.
In summary, Alina Habba’s appointment reflects the ongoing integration of diverse voices within Trump’s administration and underscores an effort to build bridges with various communities. This move could be an encouraging sign for many who appreciate representation and advocacy within the political landscape.