Trump taps personal lawyer for top role at DOJ
President Donald Trump made headlines on Monday when he announced the appointment of his personal lawyer, Alina Habba, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. This move is part of a trend where Trump has been tapping former attorneys from his inner circle for key positions within the Department of Justice.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump revealed that he had chosen Habba to replace John Giordano, the outgoing acting U.S. Attorney who will now be serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia. Both appointments were shared by Trump on social media, with the president praising Habba for her diligence and conviction in her career. He expressed confidence that she would work tirelessly to ensure a fair and just legal system for the people of New Jersey.
The sudden personnel changes raised questions, as Giordano had only been installed as the acting U.S. Attorney less than a month ago by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The White House did not provide immediate clarification on the reasons behind the reshuffle.
Habba, a longtime ally of Trump who previously served as a legal spokesperson for both the president and his super PAC, MAGA, Inc., joins a growing list of loyalists who have been promoted to senior law enforcement positions in the Trump administration. This move underscores Trump’s commitment to surrounding himself with trusted confidants in key roles.
Critics have pointed out that three of the top prosecutors Trump has elevated within the Justice Department – Pam Bondi, Todd Blanche, and Emil Bove – have all represented the president in a personal capacity before his reelection in 2024. This has led to concerns about the potential politicization of the department under Trump’s leadership.
Overall, Trump’s decision to appoint Alina Habba as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey marks another step in his efforts to shape the Department of Justice in his image. As the administration continues to make personnel changes, it will be important to monitor how these appointments impact the functioning of the legal system in the state.
