Brown wooden gavel
Brown wooden gavel Unsplash.com

Alina Habba, a high-profile American lawyer and political appointee, is set to lose her position as interim US Attorney for the District of New Jersey next month after US Senators signalled they would block her confirmation. The development comes amid growing public criticism over her qualifications, partisan conduct, and controversial legal record, prompting renewed scrutiny of her background, earnings, and future in Washington.

Who Is Alina Habba? Background and Nationality

Alina Habba was born on 25 March 1984 in Summit, New Jersey, to Iraqi Christian parents who had immigrated to the United States. She is of Iraqi-Chaldean descent and holds American citizenship.

She earned a degree in political science from Lehigh University in 2005, followed by a Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2010. Habba worked in private legal practice before gaining national attention in 2021 when she joined former President Donald Trump's legal team. She later became a key figure in several Trump-related legal battles, including the E. Jean Carroll defamation case.

How Much Does Alina Habba Earn? Washington Salary Estimates

While Alina Habba's official government salary has not been publicly disclosed, salary data for similar legal roles in Washington suggests she could be earning over $110,000 (£82,000) per year. This figure is based on job postings compiled by ZipRecruiter and represents an average hourly rate of around $55.

This estimation provides context for public curiosity regarding political appointments and the compensation associated with high-profile legal roles in the US Department of Justice.

Why Alina Habba May Be Out of a Job Soon

In March 2025, Habba was appointed interim US Attorney for the District of New Jersey. This position does not require immediate Senate confirmation but only lasts for 120 days unless a permanent appointment is made.

Habba's term is set to expire in early August 2025, and her confirmation appears unlikely. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim of New Jersey have both publicly pledged to block her nomination to the permanent post. Sources close to Habba suggest she has expressed uncertainty about her next career move.

Critics argue that Habba lacks prosecutorial experience and is unqualified for the role. Legal analysts have described her appointment as politically motivated, citing her public loyalty to Trump and lack of federal courtroom experience.

Public and Legal Community Criticism of Alina Habba

Alina Habba has faced sustained backlash from both the legal community and the wider public. One major criticism is her close alignment with Donald Trump. She has been described as acting more like a media spokesperson than a seasoned legal expert.

Her controversial statements have also attracted negative attention. In one instance, she accused the Biden administration of leaving 'babies floating in the water', a remark that was widely condemned. Habba also defended Trump's alleged sleeping during court proceedings, further fuelling public disapproval.

Legal experts, including Bloomberg opinion writer Barbara McQuade, have stated that Habba is 'too partisan and inept' for a US Attorney position. McQuade, a former federal prosecutor, argued that Habba's inexperience and televised gaffes undermine the credibility of the Justice Department.

Additionally, her defence of other polarising figures, such as Andrew Tate, and involvement in the Trump Organisation's legal affairs have deepened criticism of her judgement and priorities.

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