Challenges in the Life of Alina Habba in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Alina Habba's life and career.

Alina Habba is an American lawyer and political advisor. She served as a counselor to the president starting in 2025 and briefly acted as the United States attorney for the District of New Jersey in the same year. Prior to these roles, from 2021 to 2025, Habba was a legal spokesperson for President Donald Trump and also acted as a senior advisor for MAGA, Inc., Trump's super PAC. Her career has been largely defined by her association with Donald Trump and her role in his legal and political endeavors.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2021: Allegations of Inducing Illegal Non-Disclosure Agreement

In the second half of 2021, Alina Habba was alleged to have induced a Trump National Golf Club Bedminster employee into entering an illegal non-disclosure agreement related to workplace sexual misconduct allegations.

February 2022: Attempt to Prevent Trump's Sworn Statement

In February 2022, Alina Habba unsuccessfully attempted to prevent Donald Trump from being required to give a sworn statement in an investigation led by New York Attorney General James.

July 19, 2022: Lawsuit by Former Employee

On July 19, 2022, Alina Habba was sued by a former employee, Na'Syia Drayton, who claimed Habba made racist comments and played inappropriate music in the office.

August 10, 2022: Trump Deposition and Fifth Amendment Plea

On August 10, 2022, Alina Habba was present during Donald Trump's deposition, led the defense, and Trump pleaded the Fifth Amendment over 450 times.

September 2022: Dismissal of Trump's Lawsuit Against Hillary Clinton et al.

In September 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks dismissed a 2022 suit brought by Alina Habba for Donald Trump against Hillary Clinton and others, reserving the right to consider sanctions against Trump's attorneys.

September 2022: Settlement of Employee Lawsuit

In September 2022, the lawsuit filed against Alina Habba by a former employee was settled out of court.

January 2023: Ordered to Pay Legal Costs in Clinton Lawsuit

In January 2023, Alina Habba, Donald Trump, and her firm were ordered to pay $938,000 in legal costs for 31 defendants in the lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others.

February 2023: Order Pending Appeal

In February 2023, the order to pay legal costs was pending appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

December 2023: Lawsuit Filed for Referring Habba to the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics

In December 2023, a lawsuit was filed aimed at referring Alina Habba to the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics regarding her involvement with an illegal non-disclosure agreement.

December 2023: Appeals Court Upheld Ruling Rejecting Trump's Presidential Immunity Claim

In December 2023, the appeals court upheld the federal judge's ruling rejecting Trump's claim of presidential immunity.

December 2023: Remarks at Turning Point USA Conference

Speaking at a December 2023 Turning Point USA conference, Alina Habba asserted no one had heard of the case and falsely alleged the "fake news" had not reported it. She stated that she and President Trump were sanctioned.

January 16, 2024: Carroll v. Trump Trial Begins

On January 16, 2024, Alina Habba served as lead attorney for the E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump trial.

January 26, 2024: Jury Awards Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages

On January 26, 2024, a jury awarded E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages against Donald Trump in the Carroll v. Trump trial.

March 2024: Settlement of Lawsuit Involving Non-Disclosure Agreement

In March 2024, the Trump National Golf Club settled the lawsuit related to the non-disclosure agreement, including a statement that Alina Habba was not a party to the release.

August 2024: Alina Habba Settles Lawsuit

In August 2024, Alina Habba settled the lawsuit regarding her involvement in a non-disclosure agreement case.

July 22, 2025: Panel Declined to Retain Habba

On July 22, 2025, a panel of judges on the District Court for the District of New Jersey declined to retain Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney, appointing Desiree Leigh Grace instead.

July 23, 2025: Grace Intention to Assume Position

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Desiree posted on her LinkedIn profile that she intended to assume the position the judges selected her for "in accordance with the law".