President-elect Trump announced on Sunday that Alina Habba, his personal lawyer, will take on the role of Counselor to the President.
Habba, who has handled some of Trump’s most notable civil cases, served as a senior advisor during his campaign.
“Alina has been a tireless advocate for Justice, a fierce Defender of the Rule of Law, and an invaluable Advisor to my Campaign and Transition Team,” Trump commented.
“She has been unwavering in her loyalty, and unmatched in her resolve – standing with me through numerous ‘trials,’ battles, and countless days in Court.”
Habba became involved with Trump’s legal affairs when she took over a defamation lawsuit filed by ex-“Apprentice” contestant Summer Zervos, who eventually stopped pursing the case.
Notably, she represented Trump in the civil fraud action brought against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James. That case concluded with a landmark judgment amounting to several hundred million dollars.
Additionally, Habba is Trump’s attorney in the high-stakes defamation and sexual assault lawsuits filed by writer E. Jean Carroll, who successfully secured nearly $100 million in judgments over two jury trials. Trump is actively appealing these court decisions.
Habba has also represented Trump in an expansive civil lawsuit he filed against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Committee, and multiple other individuals.
The lawsuit resulted in a federal judge sanctioning both Trump and Habba nearly $1 million for what the court deemed a “continuing pattern of misuse of the courts.”
On Sunday, Trump also revealed several other major appointments in the State Department. These posts will operate under Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State.
Michael Anton was named Director of Policy Planning, according to Trump’s Truth Social announcement.
“Michael has served me loyally and effectively at the National Security Council in my First Term,” Trump wrote. “He has an extensive background in Government, the private sector, and academia.”
Trump also commended Anton for dedicating the last eight years to “explaining what an America First foreign policy truly means.”
Anton previously held senior national security positions under Trump and later served on the National Board for Education Sciences.
Christopher Landau, who acted as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 2019 to 2021, was chosen for the position of Deputy Secretary of State.
“Chris served as my Ambassador to Mexico, where he worked tirelessly with our team to reduce illegal migration to the lowest levels in History,” Trump shared.
“He is also one of our Country’s great lawyers, and clerked for both Justice Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas on the United States Supreme Court,” he added.
Completing his top-level picks for the department, Trump selected Michael Needham as Counselor of the State Department. Needham is currently a trusted aide to Rubio.
“Mike has capably served Senator Marco Rubio for many years and is a key leader in the America First Movement,” Trump concluded.
“He has been on the front lines of the fight for the Forgotten Men and Women of America for nearly two decades, and will do a great job at State.”
