In a series of announcements that reshape the executive branch’s legal and diplomatic leadership, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Alina Habba as Counselor to the President, while simultaneously revealing several State Department nominations.
Habba, who has served as Trump’s defense attorney since 2021, will transition from courtroom advocate to White House advisor. The appointment raises questions about the increasing overlap between Trump’s personal legal team and government positions.
“Few understand the Weaponization of the ‘Injustice’ System better than Alina, who has fought relentlessly against the full force of Lawfare with courage and an unshakable commitment to Justice,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The attorney’s legal record includes representing Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, where the court found Trump liable for sexual abuse, and the hush-money trial. These outcomes have prompted skepticism from legal experts about her effectiveness in high-stakes litigation.
Former federal prosecutor Kristy Greenberg commented on social media: “May she be as effective a Counselor to Trump in the White House as she was in court.”
State Department Leadership Changes
The President-elect also announced several State Department appointments:
Christopher Landau, former Ambassador to Mexico, has been nominated as Deputy Secretary of State. During his ambassadorship, Landau oversaw policies that Trump credits with reducing illegal migration “to the lowest levels in History.”
Michael Anton, who previously served on the National Security Council, will direct policy planning. “He spent the last eight years explaining what an America First foreign policy truly means,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Michael Needham will serve as Department of State Counselor, completing the upper echelon of diplomatic leadership.
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Legal Community Response
The legal community’s reaction to Habba’s appointment has been mixed. Critics point to her limited political experience and courtroom track record. Veteran GOP political consultant Mike Madrid noted: “When you got dumped but he tells you he still wants to be good friends.”
A political commentator on social media platform X posted: “It should be infuriating to you that we taxpayers now have to foot the bill for Alina Habba’s salary.”
Despite these criticisms, Habba’s appointment as Counselor places her among the president-elect’s senior advisors. Habba responded to the appointment on X, stating it was the “honor of my life to serve the 45th and 47th President and the American people.”
The appointments come as Trump continues to assemble his administration while facing multiple legal challenges. These selections reflect his tendency to elevate loyal allies to key positions, a pattern that characterized his first term in office.
