Donald Trump appoints Alina Habba as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor

In the United States, on March 24, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Alina Habba as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. This appointment marks another instance where Trump has chosen one of his personal lawyers for a significant role within the Department of Justice, reinforcing his strategy of surrounding himself with loyal allies in key positions. Habba, who is set to replace John Giordano, has been an active supporter and legal representative of Trump, having gained prominence while defending him in various lawsuits throughout his political journey. Until now, Giordano recently served as the interim U.S. Attorney for just a few weeks, prior to this announcement. Additionally, Trump indicated Giordano's new role as the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, highlighting a shift in key personnel within his administration. Habba expressed her commitment to addressing corruption and promoting justice in New Jersey, emphasizing the need for a law system that serves the interests of the state's residents effectively. A New Jersey native, she is positioned to prioritize this agenda while aligning her efforts with other Trump's officials such as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Habba is known for her vocal support for Trump's policies, and she has previously served as a spokesperson during his campaigns while defending him in multiple high-profile cases. Despite her lack of prosecutorial experience, the alignment of her objectives with the president's vision suggests she will aim to implement a more politically directed approach to law enforcement in the state. Habba's previous remarks have shown a focus on local issues, particularly criticizing state leadership under Democratic figures, claiming a rise in crime that needs urgent attention. Her appointment received a mixed response, with supporters viewing it as beneficial to pursuing Trump's agenda, while critics worry about the potential politicization of the Justice Department.