From Dismissing Veterans to Prosecuting New Jersey: The Quiet Rise of Alina Habba

Back in March, White House counselor Alina Habba stirred outrage after suggesting some military veterans may not be “fit” for government jobs. Her remarks came during growing backlash over thousands of veterans being laid off under the Trump administration’s new government efficiency effort.

Now, just months later, Habba is back in the spotlight—this time for being placed in one of the most powerful legal positions in the state: Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

To many, this sudden rise—from Trump’s personal attorney to a top prosecutor role—raises serious questions about the direction of the administration, and what values are guiding its decisions

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What She Said in March

While speaking to reporters outside the White House, Habba responded to criticism over veterans losing federal jobs:

“We care about veterans tremendously… But perhaps they’re not fit to have a job at this moment, or not willing to come to work.”

“I wouldn’t take money from you and pay somebody and say, ‘Sorry, they’re not going to come to work.’ It’s just not acceptable.”

The comment drew immediate backlash. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland, a veteran himself, posted:

“Our veterans risked everything for America—now they come home to be told by those who’ve given nothing for this country that they’re ‘not fit.’”

The remark came as the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began cutting thousands of federal jobs. Veterans make up about 30% of the federal workforce, and according to lawmakers, over 6,000 veterans were let go.

Fast Forward: Habba Becomes Acting U.S. Attorney

Fast forward to July, and Alina Habba is once again in the headlines—now as Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. The path to that job wasn’t smooth.

Initially, Trump nominated Habba to the position. But when her 120-day temporary appointment ran out, a panel of New Jersey federal judges appointed her deputy, Desiree Leigh Grace, to take over.

In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi fired Grace and criticized the judges for interfering.

Then, Trump pulled Habba’s formal nomination—a legal move that allows her to stay in power under a federal loophole. Now, she can serve up to 210 more days as “acting” U.S. attorney without needing Senate approval.

One Pattern, Two Stories

When you step back, a clear pattern emerges: a top official who made dismissive comments about veterans now holds one of the highest law enforcement roles in the state—thanks to political maneuvering, not public support or Senate confirmation.

And as thousands of veterans continue to navigate job loss, and courts push back on executive overreach, people across the country are asking:

Who is the government really working for? Is it rewarding loyalty over service? And what happens when veterans, judges, and everyday Americans are pushed aside?