Earlier this month, Alina Habba, former personal attorney to Donald Trump and current legal advisor, made headlines during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. In the wide-ranging discussion, Habba addressed how a second Trump administration might approach staffing within the Executive Branch.
Responding to a question about concerns over career officials and alleged internal resistance, Habba said that if Donald Trump were to return to the White House, he would prioritize building a team fully committed to his “America First” policy platform. “Why shouldn’t President Trump be allowed to choose his own team?” she asked. “We’ve seen instances where individuals worked against his agenda. In any administration, alignment with the president’s vision is important for effective governance.”
Habba suggested that ensuring ideological cohesion within the administration would be a key goal, and emphasized the importance of trust and shared priorities. “If someone fundamentally disagrees with the policies of the administration they work for, it’s reasonable to question whether that’s the best fit,” she explained.
She also addressed concerns raised by some political commentators who see such a stance as a departure from traditional civil service norms. “This isn’t about punishing people for their views—it’s about ensuring that those in key roles are working toward the same goals. That’s something any administration should be able to do,” Habba added.
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