In a surprising announcement on Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump revealed that Alina Habba, Esq., his longtime legal counsel and current Counselor to the President, will take on the role of interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, effective immediately. The announcement comes after Trump’s initial pick for the position, Doug Steinhardt, declined the role earlier this month.
In the same post, Trump also named John Giordano, who has been serving as the interim U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, as the new U.S. Ambassador to Namibia.
“It is with great pleasure that I am announcing Alina Habba, Esq., who is currently serving as Counselor to the President, and has represented me for a long time, will be our interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, her Home State, effective immediately!” Trump wrote. He praised Habba’s career, noting that she will lead with “the same diligence and conviction that has defined her career” and will work to ensure a legal system that is “Fair and Just” for the people of New Jersey.
Habba, a New Jersey native, has been a prominent figure in Trump’s legal team, representing him in several high-profile cases. Her appointment as interim U.S. Attorney marks a significant shift, as she steps into a role that oversees federal prosecutions and legal matters in the state.
The decision to appoint Habba follows the unexpected withdrawal of Doug Steinhardt, a former New Jersey Republican Party chairman and attorney, who was Trump’s first choice for the position. Steinhardt declined the role for personal reasons, prompting Trump to pivot to Habba as an interim replacement.
In the same announcement, Trump lauded John Giordano for his “terrific job” as the interim U.S. Attorney in New Jersey. Giordano, who has held the position since early 2025, will now transition to a diplomatic role as the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey oversees one of the busiest federal districts in the country, handling cases ranging from organized crime to public corruption. Habba’s interim tenure will likely be closely watched as she navigates the demands of the position while a permanent appointee is considered.
As of now, the White House has not provided additional details on the timeline for a permanent U.S. Attorney nomination.