Jobaaj Stories
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his long-time personal lawyer, Alina Habba, will join his White House team as counselor to the president. Habba, who has been a steadfast supporter and legal defender of Trump, is expected to play a pivotal role in the new administration's legal and policy initiatives.
In a statement, Trump praised Habba for her unwavering loyalty and determination. "She has been unwavering in her loyalty, and unmatched in her resolve — standing with me through numerous ‘trials,’ battles, and countless days in Court,” Trump said.
Habba has emerged as one of Trump’s most trusted legal allies. The 40-year-old managing partner of Habba Madaio & Associates LLP gained prominence through her representation of Trump in various legal challenges. She notably defended Trump in a defamation lawsuit filed by Summer Zervos, a former “Apprentice” contestant who accused Trump of sexual assault. Habba successfully crafted a legal strategy that led Zervos to drop her lawsuit.
The attorney also represented Trump in his legal battles with his niece, Mary Trump, who sued him over allegations of financial wrongdoing related to inheritance. Habba's efforts led to the dismissal of the lawsuit, and she was also involved in the legal actions against Mary Trump after she provided financial documents to The New York Times.
Habba made headlines earlier this year during a high-profile court case against advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault in the 1990s. Habba's heated exchanges with U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan during the civil lawsuit drew significant media attention.
Apart from her legal work, Habba has been a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, serving as a prominent surrogate at rallies, including Trump’s recent event at Madison Square Garden in New York. She is also a key figure in the “Make America Great Again Inc.” super PAC supporting Trump’s bid for a second term in office.
In a separate announcement, Trump revealed that Christopher Landau, his former ambassador to Mexico, will be appointed deputy secretary of state. Landau, known for his efforts to curb illegal immigration during his tenure in Mexico, will work alongside Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, to advance the administration's foreign policy agenda.
Additionally, Trump named Michael Needham, a former senior Rubio aide, to serve as counselor at the State Department, and Michael Anton, an alumnus of Trump’s first administration, as director of policy planning at the State Department.
Trump's announcements reflect a continued commitment to his loyal allies as he builds his team for the next chapter of his political career.
