Alina Habba has been nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney General, capping a whirlwind rise from private practice to one of the country’s most powerful law enforcement posts. Set against a backdrop of fierce debate, her nomination has everyone from legal experts to everyday New Jerseyans wondering what’s next for the DOJ.
NJ personal injury lawyers have prepared this post on how she got here, what she’s done so far, and what her confirmation could mean.
From Summit, NJ to the National Stage
Habba grew up in Summit, New Jersey, the child of Iraqi immigrants. She earned her undergrad degree at Lehigh University before heading to Widener University Commonwealth Law School for her JD. After clerking with the New Jersey Superior Court, she jumped into private practice, eventually becoming managing partner at her own firm.
Her early work included a mix of cases — some nursing home negligence lawsuits, plus representing reality TV star Siggy Flicker and later former President Trump in high-profile defamation fights.
But it was her involvement with Trump’s legal team in 2021 that vaulted her into the national spotlight. She became a familiar face on TV, a vocal defender of Trump, and a key player in legal battles central to his political brand.
Interim Appointment & Early Moves
When Trump tapped Habba in March 2025 as Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, she wasted no time making headlines. In her first weeks, she went after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, charging him over alleged trespassing at a migrant facility — charges the court later threw out, with a judge calling the case unfounded.
She also charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) with assault during the same incident; McIver has pleaded not guilty, and the case is still in limbo.
Meanwhile, Habba opened investigations into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin, both over state immigration policies. Those moves led critics to accuse her of playing politics rather than pursuing fair justice.
She’s also made a point of taking a more aggressive, visible approach — wearing bulletproof vests during raids, talking openly with the media, and shutting down the DOJ’s civil rights unit in New Jersey to focus on violent crime and immigration.
Why Critics Are Speaking Out
Not surprisingly, Habba’s style and lack of prosecutorial background have drawn sharp pushback. Legal experts and many Democrats in New Jersey say she’s not qualified, pointing to past court sanctions in defamation suits and her inexperience in running prosecutions.
Others worry she’s using the office as a political tool to target Democrats. Figures like Senator Cory Booker and Rep. Andy Kim argue that Habba’s actions undermine trust in federal law enforcement and have called for her nomination to be blocked.
Adding to the complications: the Senate’s blue slip tradition, which gives home-state senators an informal veto over nominees. Even with a Republican majority, some GOP senators seem reluctant to ignore Booker and Kim’s objections.
What’s Next in the Confirmation Battle
Trump formally sent Habba’s nomination to the Senate in July 2025, seeking to make her appointment permanent for four years. A confirmation hearing is coming soon, but it won’t be an easy path.
Senators Booker and Kim have both promised to fight the nomination, citing concerns about partisanship and ethics. Republicans appear split; some back Habba as a loyal Trump ally, but others are wary of pushing through a nominee opposed by both home-state senators.
Unless a deal or extension is reached, Habba’s interim term expires later in July.
How Habba Could Reshape the DOJ
If she wins confirmation, Habba has made it clear she plans to shift the DOJ’s priorities in New Jersey:
- She’ll keep a strong focus on violent crime and immigration enforcement.
- Civil rights cases will likely take a back seat; shutting down the civil rights unit was an early signal of where she stands.
- Expect a more public, media-forward approach, with press conferences and high-profile raids becoming regular features.
Her leadership could also ripple beyond New Jersey, influencing national DOJ strategies — especially around politically sensitive prosecutions.
Conclusion
From defending Trump in defamation cases to leading New Jersey’s federal prosecutions, Alina Habba’s rapid rise has been anything but quiet. As her confirmation process unfolds, the fight over her nomination highlights deep divisions over how justice should be administered — and what role politics should play.
NJ Injury Lawyers, P.C. spots hazards before they cause harm, Habba’s confirmation could set a proactive, high-stakes tone for federal prosecutions moving forward.
Stay tuned, and let us know in the comments: Do you think Habba’s approach will bring needed change or deepen partisan rifts in the DOJ?
