President-elect Donald Trump has selected personal attorney Alina Haba, who has defended him in several high-profile cases, as his adviser in a raft of personnel changes announced Sunday night.
“Arena is a tireless champion of justice, a passionate defender of the rule of law, and a valued advisor to my campaign and transition team,” President Trump said in a statement.
Haba, 40, joined Trump's legal team in 2021, representing the 45th president in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case and New York Attorney General Letitia James' civil fraud case. Ta.
“She was unwavering in her loyalty, unparalleled in her determination, and stood with me through numerous 'trials,' battles, and countless days in court. Courage and justice. “Few people understand the weaponization of systems of 'injustice' better than Alina, who has fought relentlessly against the full force of lawfare with an unwavering commitment to…” the president-elect added.
Mr. Haba, who founded the New Jersey-based law firm Haba Maddio & Associates, celebrated his appointment to X.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve the 45th and 47th Presidents and the American people,” she tweeted with an American flag emoji.
The Presidential Counsel provides legal advice to the Commander-in-Chief and acts as his lawyer.
President Trump had previously been rumored to be eyeing Haba for the press secretary position, but Haba put those rumors to rest last month with a statement that foreshadowed Sunday's announcement.
“While I am honored by the support and speculation, the role of press secretary is not the role I have in mind,” Hubba said at the time. “I love shouting from the podium, but I would be more active in other capacities.”
Just one day later, the 47th president named campaign press secretary Caroline Leavitt as the next White House press secretary. At just 27 years old, Mr. Levitt will be the youngest person to hold the post in U.S. history.
In addition to Mr. Haba, Mr. Trump announced a series of other White House staff picks on Truth Social Sunday night.
He nominated Christopher Landau, who served as ambassador to Mexico during President Trump's first term, to be deputy secretary of state, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) nominated him as secretary of state.
The future president also nominated Michael Anton, who served on the National Security Council during President Trump's first term, to head the State Department's Office of Policy Planning. Rubio's former chief of staff, Michael Needham, has been appointed as a State Department counselor.
