In a revealing conversation with The Epoch Times, Donald Trump’s senior advisor and former defense attorney Alina Habba outlined the administration’s comprehensive strategy to combat what she terms “human extortion” – a broad category encompassing sex trafficking, cyber exploitation, and forced labor.
Habba, who assumed her role as presidential counselor at age 40, is spearheading efforts to address these issues through collaboration with key federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Health and Human Services. She is currently developing executive orders to enhance protections for victims and strengthen existing regulations.
During her interview with Jan Jekielek, senior editor at The Epoch Times, Habba emphasized that the crisis extends beyond child trafficking to include various forms of exploitation affecting people of all ages. She highlighted particularly disturbing trends in cyber-interactive pornography targeting children.
The advisor pointed to the border crisis under the previous
administration as a significant factor in exacerbating trafficking issues. According to a Department of Homeland Security report, between 2019 and 2023, over 448,000 unaccompanied migrant children were transferred to HHS custody. The situation was further complicated by the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to discontinue Trump-era DNA testing requirements for immigrants crossing the border with alleged relatives.
Since Trump’s return to office in January, the administration has reinstated DNA testing protocols. However, Habba revealed ongoing concerns about children placed in questionable sponsor homes, with some disappearing before safety checks could be completed, effectively being re-trafficked.
Addressing recent controversies, Habba clarified her previous comments regarding Andrew Tate, stating that her support was limited to his political views and should not be confused with endorsement of any alleged criminal behavior. She described the accusations against the Tate brothers as “stomach-churning” while noting their ongoing legal contest of the charges.
Regarding the Epstein files investigation, Habba confirmed that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are leading a methodical review process, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to transparency while requesting public patience.
The advisor also shared personal details about her background as a first-generation American born to Chaldean Catholic parents who fled persecution in Iraq during the early 1980s. Her appointment as counselor to the president was celebrated by Trump, who praised her unwavering loyalty and legal dedication on Truth Social in December 2024.
The administration’s current focus includes reuniting trafficked children with their families, providing comprehensive rehabilitation services, and ensuring proper medical care and therapy for victims. Habba’s team is working alongside both public and private sector partners to establish secure placement options for affected children.
While exact numbers weren’t disclosed, Habba indicated that the absence of familial DNA testing during the previous administration had contributed significantly to increased child trafficking incidents. The current administration’s approach combines enhanced border security measures with comprehensive victim support services, reflecting a multi-faceted strategy to address what Habba describes as one of the nation’s most pressing yet overlooked crises.