New Jersey is getting some unexpected love—from none other than former President Donald Trump himself.
During a White House ceremony for Alina Habba, Trump’s pick for interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, the former president took a moment to sing the Garden State’s praises, calling it “highly underrated” and “a great place to be and to live.”
For a man known for his sharp-tongued critiques and blunt opinions, these warm words caught many by surprise. Trump has never shied away from attacking states, politicians, and even entire cities, but on this occasion, New Jersey was the recipient of a rare moment of admiration.
A Surprising Compliment from Trump
Trump’s remarks came as he officially swore in Alina Habba, a longtime legal ally and New Jersey native, as the state’s interim top federal prosecutor. The event, held at the White House, was meant to focus on Habba’s appointment, but it was Trump’s unexpected praise for New Jersey that turned heads.
“The Garden State, it’s a great place. I think it’s highly underrated. It’s a great place to be and to live, and we all love it,” he said during the ceremony.
It’s not often that Trump hands out compliments, especially to an entire state. His track record is filled with criticisms of major U.S. cities, from calling Baltimore “rat-infested” to labeling parts of California “disgusting.” New Jersey itself has not been immune from Trump’s jabs in the past, making his latest remarks all the more surprising.
Trump’s Connection to the Garden State
Despite his past digs at New Jersey, Trump does have personal ties to the state. One of his prized properties, Trump National Golf Club, is located in Bedminster. The exclusive club has served as a second White House of sorts during his presidency and beyond, hosting everything from high-profile meetings to private retreats.
The Bedminster golf club has been a focal point of Trump’s post-presidency life. He has spent significant time there, hosting political fundraisers and strategizing for his political future. Given his deep business interests in the state, his newfound appreciation for New Jersey might not be entirely out of nowhere.
Who Is Alina Habba?
Alina Habba, the woman at the center of Trump’s latest praise for New Jersey, has been a key player in his legal battles. At just 41 years old, she has built a close relationship with the former president, defending him in multiple high-profile lawsuits and acting as his legal spokesperson during some of his most turbulent legal battles.
A graduate of Widener University School of Law, Habba built her career in private practice, running a small law firm near Trump’s Bedminster property. Unlike many U.S. attorneys, she does not have a background as a prosecutor. Instead, her experience has been primarily in civil litigation, making her appointment as New Jersey’s interim U.S. attorney stand out.
Her legal work has included defending Trump in the 2024 defamation case involving E. Jean Carroll, as well as other civil lawsuits that targeted him during and after his presidency. She also played a senior advisory role in Trump’s political action committee, further cementing her position within his inner circle.
Now, she steps into a powerful role as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor. She replaces John Giordano, who is being reassigned as the U.S. ambassador to Namibia.
A Controversial Appointment?
While Trump’s praise of New Jersey made headlines, Habba’s appointment itself has raised some eyebrows. Traditionally, U.S. attorneys come from a background in criminal prosecution, often having experience at the state or federal level before stepping into such a role. Many have served as assistant U.S. attorneys or district attorneys before taking the top spot.
In contrast, Habba’s career has largely been spent in private law practice. Her firm, Habba Madaio & Associates, has focused on civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution, which makes her selection a notable departure from the norm.
Critics argue that her close ties to Trump may have played a bigger role in her appointment than her legal track record. Given Trump’s history of rewarding loyalty, some see this as yet another example of him placing personal allies in high-ranking positions.
However, Trump’s supporters argue that Habba has proven herself to be a fierce and capable attorney, with years of experience handling complex legal matters. They see her as a fighter who will bring a fresh perspective to the role.
What’s Next for Habba and New Jersey?
As Habba steps into her new position, all eyes will be on how she handles the responsibilities of leading New Jersey’s federal prosecutions. With ongoing high-profile cases and a legal landscape that includes everything from organized crime to white-collar investigations, she will have her hands full.
Her approach to federal cases, particularly those that intersect with Trump’s interests, will be closely watched. Will she be an independent force in the justice system, or will her past loyalty to Trump shape her decisions?
Meanwhile, Trump’s sudden praise for New Jersey has left many wondering—has he truly had a change of heart about the Garden State, or was this just another moment of political theater? Regardless, his words have certainly put New Jersey in the spotlight, and for once, it’s for a positive reason.
