Alina Habba/ Trump counselor/ Trump administration appointments/ Michael Anton/ Michael Needham/ FORT LAUDERDALE/ Fla./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Alina Habba, one of his defense attorneys in the New York hush money case, as counselor to the president. Habba, known for her unwavering loyalty, will take on a role previously held by Kellyanne Conway. Trump also announced key appointments to the State Department, including Michael Anton and Michael Needham.
Trump Names Alina Habba Counselor to the President
- Key Appointment: Alina Habba, a 40-year-old defense attorney for Trump, will serve as counselor to the president.
- Loyal Ally: Habba has been a prominent supporter, defending Trump in legal battles and acting as his legal spokesperson.
- Previous Role: The position of counselor was held during Trump’s first term by Kellyanne Conway.
- State Department Picks: Michael Anton will serve as director of policy planning, and Michael Needham will be counselor to the State Department.
- Background: Habba, of Iraqi Chaldean descent, represents a key addition to Trump’s team as he prepares for his second term.
Trump Appoints His Attorney Alina Habba as Counselor to the President
Deep Look
Alina Habba Named Counselor to the President
President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday that Alina Habba, a prominent attorney and staunch defender in his legal battles, will serve as counselor to the president in his upcoming administration. Habba, who played a pivotal role in Trump’s legal team during his New York hush money case, has been a trusted ally, frequently appearing by his side at Mar-a-Lago since the election.
Trump praised Habba’s dedication and resilience, writing on Truth Social: “She has been unwavering in her loyalty and unmatched in her resolve—standing with me through numerous ‘trials,’ battles, and countless days in court. Few understand the weaponization of the ‘Injustice’ System better than Alina.”
A Key Legal and Political Figure
At 40, Habba brings a combination of legal expertise and political advocacy to the White House. Of Iraqi Chaldean descent, she represents Iraq’s largest Christian denomination and one of the Catholic Church’s Eastern rites. Her background and visibility during Trump’s campaign rallies, including a prominent speech at Madison Square Garden, have elevated her profile within the Republican Party.
Counselor to the President
In Trump’s first term, the role of counselor was held by Kellyanne Conway, who served as a key strategist and adviser. Habba’s appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s preference for loyalists in pivotal advisory roles. As counselor, Habba will provide direct guidance to Trump on legal and policy matters while navigating the challenges of a second-term presidency.
Additional State Department Appointments
Trump also announced two key appointments to the State Department:
- Michael Anton: Former National Security Council spokesman from 2017 to 2018, Anton will now serve as director of policy planning.
- Michael Needham: Former chief of staff for Senator Marco Rubio, Needham will assume the role of counselor to the State Department.
These appointments come as Senator Rubio prepares for confirmation hearings to become Trump’s secretary of state.
A Resilient Legal Ally
Habba’s unwavering support was critical during Trump’s legal battles earlier this year. In May, Trump became the first former president convicted of felony crimes, including 34 charges related to a hush money scheme in the 2016 election. Despite the convictions, Trump has maintained a loyal base, with Habba playing a key role in shaping his legal narrative.
