Alina Habba's Oval Office Photo Sparks Speculation About Trump's Second-Term Role Amid Pam Bondi's Firing

Always a pleasure," Alina Habba captioned a photo of herself with Donald Trump and JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday—hours after Pam Bondi, Trump's embattled attorney general, was fired. The image, shared on social media, immediately sparked speculation about Habba's potential role in Trump's second-term administration. Bondi, who had already survived a turbulent first term, was ousted over months of controversy, including her mishandling of the Epstein files and a refusal to prosecute Trump's political enemies. Her departure marked the second major cabinet resignation under Trump, following the abrupt exit of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen earlier in the year.

Habba, who once served as Trump's U.S. attorney for New Jersey, has long been a figure of contention within the Justice Department. Her tenure in New Jersey was marred by legal battles over her legitimacy, forcing then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to intervene on her behalf. Trump appointed her as acting U.S. attorney in March 2025, but her 120-day interim term expired by June, setting off a fight over whether she could stay in the role. New Jersey judges selected Desiree Grace as a replacement in July, but the Trump administration pushed back, arguing that Grace was unqualified. A federal judge later ruled that Habba had remained unlawfully after her term expired, a decision upheld by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in November. Habba finally resigned in December, though she remained in the DOJ orbit as a senior adviser under Bondi.

Now, with Bondi gone, Habba is emerging as a potential replacement. She has positioned herself as a loyal ally of Trump, having defended him in his civil and criminal trials in New York ahead of the 2024 election. She became a regular face at campaign rallies, often speaking to reporters outside court and appearing on cable news. Her legal acumen and media presence have made her a prominent figure in Trump's inner circle, though her past battles with the Justice Department have raised questions about her suitability for the AG role.

Other contenders include Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, and Jeanine Pirro, the acting U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has temporarily stepped into the AG role, but many predict he could end up leading the Justice Department long-term. The competition for the position reflects Trump's ongoing struggle to maintain control over his administration, particularly after Bondi's resignation.

Habba's path to the AG role has been anything but smooth. Her initial appointment in New Jersey was challenged by local judges, and her eventual resignation came after a protracted legal battle. Yet, her loyalty to Trump has never wavered. "She's always been a fighter," said one Trump associate who has worked with her. "She doesn't back down, and that's exactly what we need in the Justice Department right now."

With Trump's re-election and his promise to continue his domestic policies—despite criticism over his foreign policy—Habba's potential nomination could signal a shift in the DOJ's direction. Whether she can overcome her past controversies and secure the role remains uncertain, but for now, the Oval Office photo has placed her squarely in the running.