Interview: Alina Habba, President Donald Trump’s incoming WH Counselor, previews Trump’s second term: “He’s laser-focused on delivering results”
Alina Habba discusses the "profound responsibility" she feels as she heads to the White House.
Alina Habba’s parents fled Iraq’s persecution of Christians and came to America decades ago. Now, Habba is one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisors, and has helped him navigate an unprecedented legal assault during the campaign.
“[My parents’] journey, from facing persecution to watching their daughter work alongside President Trump, is a testament to what America stands for,” she told the Washington Reporter in an interview. “For me, it’s a profound responsibility. It’s about giving back to the country that gave us a chance at freedom and opportunity.” In recent years, her mettle has been put to the test and she emerged from it all as incoming counselor to the president.
Fighting against the left’s lawfare was “tough,” she said. “But it showed the world who President Trump is: a fighter. He never wavered, and neither did his commitment to his mission. It was an intense period, but it brought out the best in him and strengthened the resolve of everyone who supports him.”
Trump’s leadership in helping to pass a slimmed-down continuing resolution last week contrasted him against his predecessor, Habba said. “As for Joe Biden,” she said, “his lack of leadership during these critical moments speaks volumes about the priorities of his administration.”
Trump’s priorities, Habba said, will include his campaign trail staples: “securing the border, tackling inflation by unleashing American energy, cutting harmful regulations, and ensuring America’s safety and prosperity. He’s laser-focused on delivering results.”
When it comes to specific policies like cracking down on Big Tech, Habba cautioned the industry: “Big Tech has overstepped its boundaries by silencing conservative voices, and the next Trump administration will ensure accountability,” she said. “We will protect free speech and level the playing field.”
Those in Trump’s legal orbit called Habba a “fearless advocate for President Trump no matter if the odds are stacked against her. She’s tremendously loyal and will be a valuable asset in Trump’s top notch advisory team in the White House,” another senior advisor told the Reporter.
Habba also criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which have been prioritized by the Biden administration and many in corporate America as “initiatives that divide Americans.” These, she said, “will be replaced by policies that emphasize merit, fairness, and unity. The goal is to promote excellence and equal opportunity, without the radical, divisive, and politicized agendas we’ve seen in recent years.”
Habba addressed questions about what comes next for Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) and the 38 Republicans who voted against the Trump-approved government funding bill by saying that “that’s a question for President Trump and the broader Republican leadership.”
“What’s clear is that President Trump’s vision for America will be the guiding force for Republicans moving forward because the American people voted for him overwhelmingly and gave him a mandate to govern,” she added.
Below is a transcript of our interview with President Donald Trump’s counselor, Alina Habba, lightly edited for clarity.
Washington Reporter:
Can you talk about President Trump's involvement with the CR? Why'd he want to get involved? Where is Joe Biden during all of this?
Alina Habba:
President Trump’s involvement stems from his deep commitment to the American people. He wants solutions that reflect conservative values and protect taxpayers. As for Joe Biden, his lack of leadership during these critical moments speaks volumes about the priorities of his administration.
Washington Reporter:
Do you think that Speaker Johnson should remain in charge for the next Congress following his negotiations with President Trump on this? What do you make of the 38 Republicans who voted against it?
Alina Habba:
That’s a question for President Trump and the broader Republican leadership. What’s clear is that President Trump’s vision for America will be the guiding force for Republicans moving forward because the American people voted for him overwhelmingly and gave him a mandate to govern.
Washington Reporter:
Your parents were Christians in Iraq who fled persecution. What does it mean to them to go from coming to this country with nothing — to now having a daughter who is one of President Trump’s top advisors? And what does it mean to you?
Alina Habba:
For my parents, it’s an overwhelming sense of pride. Their journey, from facing persecution to watching their daughter work alongside President Trump, is a testament to what America stands for. For me, it’s a profound responsibility. It’s about giving back to the country that gave us a chance at freedom and opportunity.
Washington Reporter:
What will be President Trump’s top priorities when he takes office?
Alina Habba:
President Trump is ready to hit the ground running. His priorities include securing the border, tackling inflation by unleashing American energy, cutting harmful regulations, and ensuring America’s safety and prosperity. He’s laser-focused on delivering results.
Washington Reporter:
You are one of President Trump’s closest advisers: what’s something the American people don’t know about him that you think is important?
Alina Habba:
President Trump has an incredible sense of humor and an undeniable warmth. He deeply cares about the people who support him and those who feel forgotten. What you see in public — the fighter — is matched by a private man who genuinely loves this country and its people.
Washington Reporter:
What was it like fighting against the four indictments during the campaign?
Alina Habba:
It was tough, but it showed the world who President Trump is: a fighter. He never wavered, and neither did his commitment to his mission. It was an intense period, but it brought out the best in him and strengthened the resolve of everyone who supports him.
Washington Reporter:
Many conservatives are concerned about Big Tech. What can be done to address censorship and their anticompetitive practices?
Alina Habba:
Big Tech has overstepped its boundaries by silencing conservative voices, and the next Trump administration will ensure accountability. We will protect free speech and level the playing field.
Washington Reporter:
A big push of the incoming Trump administration is doing away with DEI. What does that look like?
Alina Habba:
DEI initiatives that divide Americans will be replaced by policies that emphasize merit, fairness, and unity. The goal is to promote excellence and equal opportunity, without the radical, divisive and politicized agendas we’ve seen in recent years.
Washington Reporter:
Thanks so much for your time, Alina, and Merry Christmas!
