Overview
- Alina Habba, a longtime Trump defender, was sworn in as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey on March 28, 2025, in a ceremony led by Attorney General Pam Bondi in the Oval Office.
- President Trump praised Habba's loyalty and commitment to addressing crime and corruption in New Jersey, bypassing Senate confirmation to appoint her to the position.
- Habba, a first-generation American and New Jersey native, has no prior prosecutorial experience but has represented Trump in high-profile legal battles, including civil fraud and defamation cases.
- Her professional history has drawn criticism, including a $1 million sanction for misuse of the courts in a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others.
- The appointment has reignited debates about the politicization of the Justice Department, with critics questioning the prioritization of loyalty over qualifications in federal appointments.