Trump Lawyer Takes Unusual Steps After Becoming Interim US Attorney

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 28, Alina Habba was sworn in as the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey by Attorney General Pam Bondi, marking her entry into a position that oversees a team of 170 lawyers managing federal prosecutions related to terrorism, public corruption, and more.

Habba, notably recognized as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, replaces a post formerly held by figures like Chris Christie. However, her appointment swiftly raised eyebrows after she was invited to participate in a for-profit business conference led by conservative promoter Clay Clark on September 25-26, where she will speak alongside Eric Trump.

Tickets for the conference go for $250 and are said to focus on business growth strategies. Experts and ethics professors expressed concern about the propriety for an acting U.S. attorney to take part in such an event.

“It harms public confidence in the rule of law for a United States attorney to be a prominent speaker at a conference with a partisan political or ideological focus,” said New York University law professor Stephen Gillers. “We have traditionally relied on good judgment and self-restraint.”

Though many federal prosecutors typically maintain political neutrality, Habba has drawn scrutiny due to her lack of prosecutorial experience, an issue highlighted by a federal judge who sanctioned Trump nearly $1 million in 2023 for a frivolous lawsuit Habba initiated against Hillary Clinton.

Judge Donald Middlebrooks stated, “No reasonable lawyer would have filed [the lawsuit],” emphasizing that it was intended for political purposes and lacked legal merit.

Noting her unique position, Habba has headlined several events held by Clark, who is known for his controversial views and connections to far-right movements. “Make American Business Great Again,” the conference she is set to speak at, has connections to the ReAwaken America tour, which has featured numerous figures from the MAGA movement.

Historical figures associated with the event include those recently convicted or pardoned for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. The line-up for the forthcoming conference includes Amanda Grace, a self-proclaimed prophet, and Dr. Stella Immanuel, who gained notoriety for her controversial views on COVID-19 treatments.

Following the backlash, the U.S. attorney’s office has not confirmed if Habba still intends to attend the event. Under federal regulations, an interim U.S. attorney can only serve for 120 days unless formally nominated and confirmed.

One of Habba’s first initiatives in her interim position included announcing a task force to combat human trafficking in New Jersey. On April 1, she remarked, “There will be zero tolerance for human trafficking in New Jersey,” providing insight into her priorities as U.S. attorney.

Habba’s dual role as a legal expert and conference speaker raises questions about the separation of legal responsibilities and political engagements. The New Jersey U.S. attorney’s office did not respond to inquiries related to her participation in the upcoming conference.