Washington, D.C. — Alina Habba, senior White House legal counsel to President Donald Trump, made it clear in a Tuesday night interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that federal employees who do not align with the administration’s “America First” philosophy will eventually be removed from their positions.
Her remarks came in response to the Justice Department’s acting attorney general dismissing more than a dozen career prosecutors who had worked under special counsel Jack Smith in cases against the current commander-in-chief. The move has already sparked debate over political loyalty within the federal government and the direction of the Justice Department under Trump’s leadership.
A Strong Message to Federal Workers
During the interview, Habba stressed that the administration intends to ensure that those serving in the Executive Branch are fully committed to advancing Trump’s policy agenda.
“If you are not aligned with ‘America First,’ you should not be working in this administration,” Habba stated. “Federal agencies should be staffed with individuals who are loyal to the country and the policies of the elected president, not bureaucrats who serve their own interests or partisan agendas.”
Her comments reflect the Trump administration’s broader effort to reshape the federal workforce by prioritizing individuals who support its policies and removing those deemed to be obstructing its goals.
The DOJ Shakeup and Its Implications
Habba’s statements came in the wake of the Justice Department’s acting attorney general dismissing over a dozen prosecutors who had volunteered to work with special counsel Jack Smith on cases against President Trump. Smith, who was originally appointed to oversee federal investigations into Trump, had led multiple legal actions against him, including cases involving classified documents and election-related charges.
With Trump now back in office, his administration has swiftly moved to overhaul the DOJ’s leadership, a move that critics argue could undermine the independence of the department. Supporters, however, see the firings as a necessary step in correcting what they view as political bias within the agency.
“These prosecutors were not neutral actors,” said a senior White House official speaking on condition of anonymity. “They chose to work on cases specifically targeting the president. The administration is committed to ensuring fairness and eliminating partisan interference in our justice system.”
Supporters Praise the ‘America First’ Approach
Habba’s remarks were met with strong support from Trump allies, who argue that career bureaucrats have too much power and often act as obstacles to conservative policies.
“This is about draining the swamp,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). “For too long, we’ve had unelected bureaucrats undermining the will of the American people. If you don’t believe in putting America first, then why are you working in a government that should be serving American citizens?”
Many conservative commentators also praised the administration’s stance, framing it as a necessary correction to what they see as political weaponization within federal agencies.
“The Justice Department, the FBI, and other institutions need to be held accountable,” said former Trump adviser Stephen Miller. “These agencies should serve the people, not an ideological agenda.”
Critics Warn of Politicization
However, the administration’s approach has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and government ethics experts, who warn that loyalty tests for federal employees could lead to increased politicization of the civil service.
“This is dangerous territory,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “Our government is not supposed to be a political loyalty club. Federal employees swear an oath to the Constitution, not to any one president or party.”
