Empire State Review Team 
Alina Habba Sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey
Location: New Jersey – Alina Habba, who previously served as former President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, was officially sworn in on Friday as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Habba gained national prominence in 2021 for her staunch defense of Trump during various legal challenges leading up to his electoral win over Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, she is stepping into her new role at a critical time, succeeding Acting U.S. Attorney John Giordano, who has been nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia.
“As you know, I stood by President Trump, his family, the organization, and many other clients in that state where I am born and raised, and [where] I’m raising my babies now.”
— Alina Habba, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey
Focus on Crime and Corruption in New Jersey
In her new capacity, Habba has expressed a commitment to addressing corruption and crime in New Jersey. She has particularly pointed out the issues within the purview of Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Cory Booker, stating, “There is corruption. There is injustice. And there is a heavy amount of crime right in Cory Booker’s backyard.” She aims to tackle these pressing issues directly and plans to collaborate with Attorney General Pam Bondi to push forward Trump’s agenda of prioritizing American interests.
Background of Alina Habba
At 40 years old, Habba stands as a New Jersey native, the daughter of Chaldean Catholic Iraqi immigrants. During her July speech at the Republican National Committee, she emphasized her pride as a devout Catholic, first-generation Arab American woman, and described herself as a “feisty Jersey girl” opposed to far-left corruption. Her professional journey has been notably influenced by Trump, whom she credits for motivating her and many young women to aspire to greater ambitions.
Before her recent appointment, Habba was the managing partner at Habba Madaio & Associates LLP, a law firm located near Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. She holds an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and a J.D. from Widener University. Additionally, Habba has represented Trump in significant legal matters, including defamation cases, and served as a senior advisor for his political action committee.
Professional Achievements
Before joining Trump’s legal team, Habba focused on litigation involving nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her accolades include recognition on the Super Lawyers Rising Stars List from 2016 to 2022 and a spot on the “Top 100 Lawyers in America” list. Outside of her legal practice, she is supportive of various charitable causes, including Birth Haven, which assists homeless pregnant women.
Notable Legal Controversies
Despite her accomplishments, Habba has faced criticism for specific legal actions, notably a lawsuit against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, deemed frivolous by a judge, which resulted in a near $1 million fine for her and Trump in 2023. Critics often point to her limited prosecutorial experience as a potential concern in her new role.
Personal Life and Family
Alina Habba is married to Gregg Reuben, the CEO of Centerpark. While details of their relationship remain mostly private, it is known that Habba has two children from a prior marriage, and Reuben has one child from a previous relationship.
As a newly appointed U.S. Attorney, Habba embarks on a significant chapter in her career, with expectations to impact New Jersey’s legal landscape amid her ongoing commitments and challenges.
