Who Deserves to Serve? Alina Habba’s Rise and the Cost to Our Veterans

Months after publicly questioning the fitness of U.S. veterans for government work, Alina Habba has been elevated to one of the most powerful legal positions in the country: Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

This story is not just about one woman’s political rise—it’s about what kind of leadership we value, and who gets left behind in the process.

Words That Wounded

In March, then-White House counselor Alina Habba was asked about reports that military veterans—who make up nearly 30% of the federal workforce—were being pushed out of government jobs under the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiative.

Her response stunned many:

“We care about veterans tremendously… But perhaps they’re not fit to have a job at this moment, or not willing to come to work.”

For veterans who had already sacrificed so much, it was a gut punch. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, an Army veteran, responded plainly:

“Our veterans risked everything for America—now they come home to be told by those who’ve given nothing for this country that they’re ‘not fit.’”

Habba’s comments came as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, was laying off thousands—many of them veterans. Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Debbie Wasserman Schultz estimate over 6,000 veterans have already lost their jobs.

A Chaotic Rise to Power

Just a few months after those controversial remarks, Habba was named Acting

U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. It didn’t happen through a traditional Senate confirmation. In fact, when judges tried to appoint her deputy, Desiree Leigh Grace, to lead the office instead, the administration removed Grace and pulled Habba’s formal nomination—allowing her to stay on in an "acting" role under a legal loophole.

So today, the woman who once dismissed the readiness of veterans now holds the power to prosecute, indict, and influence the course of justice in one of the most diverse states in the country.

What Does It Say About Our Values?

It’s not just the promotions and firings that raise concern—it’s what they reveal about the priorities of our public institutions.

Veterans like Ricky Sanchez, a federal employee with strong performance reviews, were let go with no explanation. Rep. Laura Gillen is bringing him as her guest to the president’s upcoming address to Congress, saying:

“The administration abandoning veterans like Ricky is unacceptable.”

Even Rep. Tom Barrett, a Republican and veteran, urged officials to treat veterans with dignity—even in separation.

Meanwhile, Habba has faced no consequences for her remarks—and instead, she’s gained more power.