Alina Habba has emerged as a prominent and polarizing figure in American law and politics. From her early days in New Jersey to her current role as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Habba’s journey reflects a blend of ambition, controversy, and unwavering loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 25, 1984, in Summit, New Jersey, Alina Saad Habba is the daughter of Chaldean Catholic immigrants from Iraq who fled persecution in the early 1980s. She graduated from Kent Place School in 2002 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lehigh University in 2005. Initially working in the fashion industry with Marc Jacobs, Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, where the jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages. Habba later pursued a legal career, obtaining her Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2010.
Legal Career and Association with Donald Trump
Habba began her legal career as a clerk for Judge Eugene J. Codey Jr. in Essex County, New Jersey. She then worked at several law firms before co-founding Habba, Madaio & Associates LLP in 2020. Her firm, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, gained national attention when she joined Donald Trump’s legal team in 2021.
As Trump’s attorney, Habba represented him in various high-profile cases, including a $100 million lawsuit against The New York Times and his niece Mary Trump, which was ultimately dismissed. She also defended Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, where the jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages.
Appointment as Interim U.S. Attorney
In March 2025, President Trump appointed Habba as alina habba the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, replacing John Giordano. This appointment drew criticism due to her lack of prosecutorial experience and perceived political motivations. Habba’s tenure has been marked by aggressive actions against prominent Democrats, including investigations into the state’s Democratic governor and attorney general, and charges against Newark’s Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver.
Controversies and Criticisms
Habba’s career has not been without controversy. In 2022, she faced a lawsuit from a former employee alleging racist and sexist behavior in the workplace. The case was settle out of court. Additionally, she was sanctione nearly $1 million by a federal judge for filing alina habba a frivolous lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and other political figures, which was deeme to be in bad faith.
Personal Life
Habba is marrie to Gregg Reuben, CEO of Centerpark, a parking management company. She has two children from a previous marriage and a stepchild from Reuben’s prior relationship. Habba identifies as a devout Catholic and has been recognize for her contributions to the legal field, including being name “Chaldean Woman of the Year.
Conclusion
Alina Habba’s ascent in the legal and political arenas alina habba illustrates a complex interplay of ambition, loyalty, and controversy. Her close association with Donald Trump has propelled her into the national spotlight, where she continues to navigate the challenges and criticisms that come with high-profile legal and political roles.
