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 notable for her close association with Donald Trump. She served as a legal spokesperson for Trump from 2021 to 2025 and as a senior advisor for MAGA, Inc., Trump's super PAC. She also briefly served as the acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey beginning in March 2025, although the legality of her continued tenure was later disputed and voided by a judge, who stayed his order.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

July 19, 2022: Lawsuit by Former Employee

On July 19, 2022, Alina Habba was sued by a former employee, Na'Syia Drayton, for alleged racist comments and behavior in the office.

September 2022: Suit Dismissed

In September 2022, a suit brought by Alina Habba for Donald Trump against Hillary Clinton and others was dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks.

January 2023: Sanctions Ordered

In January 2023, Judge Middlebrooks ordered Donald Trump, Alina Habba, and her firm to pay $938,000 in legal costs for 31 defendants.

February 2023: Order Pending Appeal

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

December 2023: Lawsuit Filed

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

January 16, 2024: Carroll v. Trump Trial Began

On January 16, 2024, Alina Habba served as lead attorney for the E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump trial. Judge Lewis Kaplan repeatedly reprimanded Habba during the trial.

January 26, 2024: Jury Awarded Damages to Carroll

On January 26, 2024, a jury awarded E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages against Donald Trump, in the trial where Alina Habba was the lead attorney for Trump.

March 2024: Settlement by Trump National Golf Club

In March 2024, Trump National Golf Club settled the lawsuit, including a line stating that Alina Habba is not a party to this release.

August 2024: Habba Settled Lawsuit

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

July 2025: Tenure Disputed

Alina Habba's continued tenure as acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey was disputed starting in July 2025, and was voided by a judge.

July 22, 2025: District Court declines 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 until a nominee is named and instead appointed Desiree Leigh Grace, Habba's first assistant.

July 24, 2025: President Trump withdraws the nomination of Alina Habba

On July 24, 2025, President Trump withdrew the nomination of Alina Habba, which clears the way for her to serve in New Jersey as the U.S. attorney in an acting capacity.

August 21, 2025: Court rules Habba's appointment void

On August 21, 2025, Matthew W. Brann ruled that Alina Habba's appointment is void as of July 1, 2025, and her later purported reappointment was invalid, but stayed his order pending appeal. The judge also said that Grace thus became the U.S. attorney upon appointment by the district judges on July 22, 2025.