Donald Trump announced on Sunday the appointment of his outspoken attorney, Alina Habba, as counselor to the president. Habba, a resident of New Jersey and a mother of three, has become a prominent figure in Trump’s legal battles over the past two years, earning praise from the former president for her unwavering loyalty and determination.
At 40 years old, Habba identifies as a devout Catholic and a proud first-generation Arab American woman with Chaldean roots in Iraq. The Office of Counsel to the President, where she will serve, plays a crucial role in advising on legal matters related to policy, ethics, and conflicts of interest, as well as overseeing executive appointments and judicial selections.
Habba’s legal career began at her own small firm in New Jersey, where she joined Trump’s legal team in 2021 after meeting him at his country club in Bedminster. Notably, she has represented Trump in various high-profile cases, including a defamation lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, which resulted in a significant verdict against the former president. Additionally, she defended Trump in a defamation case initiated by Summer Zervos, a former contestant on “The Apprentice,” which Zervos eventually dropped.
Beyond her legal work, Habba has been an ardent supporter of Trump during his campaign, addressing issues like “sham indictments” against him. Academically accomplished, Habba graduated from Kent Place School, obtained her bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University, and earned her law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
Her Chaldean heritage positions her in a unique cultural context, as the Chaldean community often identifies as distinct from Arab Americans. Despite some past tensions, particularly concerning Trump’s policies on Iraqi Christians, he has recently sought to regain their support, highlighting ongoing efforts to assist this influential community that generally aligns with conservative values.
Habba joins other notable appointments in Trump’s Cabinet, including Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, of Jordanian descent, and the innovative Susan “Susie” Wiles, the first woman to become White House chief of staff.
This appointment not only emphasizes Trump’s commitment to diversifying his advisory team but also represents a continued effort to connect with various ethnic communities across the United States.
In summary, Alina Habba’s appointment reflects Trump’s ongoing strategy to navigate complex legal challenges while fostering support from key voting groups, particularly among conservative Arab Americans. As she embarks on this new role, her influence is likely to be felt in both legal and political realms as the campaign progresses.