Exclusive: Trump Advisor Alina Habba Raises Concerns About ‘Human Extortion’

WASHINGTON—The Trump administration is dedicated to making significant strides against one of the country’s most urgent yet often ignored crises: human trafficking.

In an exclusive interview with The Epoch Times, Alina Habba, a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, outlined the administration’s strategy and her involvement in confronting this vital issue. However, Habba emphasizes that the conversation goes beyond human trafficking, framing it as “human extortion,” a broader term that encompasses various forms of exploitation, including sex trafficking, cyber exploitation, and forced labor.

“I’m focused on human extortion, which includes child trafficking,” she stated in an interview with Jan Jekielek, senior editor at The Epoch Times and host of “American Thought Leaders.”

Habba stressed that her initiatives target not only children who are victims of trafficking but also any individuals, irrespective of their age, who fall prey to sex trafficking, cyber extortion, or modern slavery.

At 40 years old, Habba has previously served as Trump’s defense attorney and now functions as a counselor to the president, closely collaborating with various government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She is in the process of crafting several executive orders aimed at enhancing regulations and safeguarding victims of human extortion.

In her perspective, the crisis symbolizes the extensive abuse of vulnerable individuals who are coerced and exploited, often in ways the public remains largely unaware of. Habba cited disturbing examples, such as interactive pornography that encourages harm towards children, labeling it a “sick” reality of today’s society.

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Moreover, she pointed out that the problem heightened during the border crisis under the Biden administration.

Many children were, misleadingly, trafficked across the border, she stated.

“They were taken from their families and ended up in precarious situations where they were subjected to sex and labor trafficking.”

Since Trump’s presidency commenced, Habba mentioned she has dedicated nearly two months to grasping the magnitude of the issue. The administration is now concentrating on reunifying these children with their families, providing essential care, apprehending their traffickers, and prosecuting those accountable—especially pedophiles.

While Habba refrained from disclosing specific numbers, she indicated that the lack of familial DNA testing had led to a rise in child trafficking.

In 2023, the Biden administration dismantled a Trump-era program that mandated rapid DNA testing for illegal immigrants at the border. Without this safeguard, she argued, individuals could enter the country with claimed relatives—such as parents, aunts, or uncles—without any verification. Consequently, it became impossible to ascertain whether those accompanying the children were affiliated with cartels or involved in human trafficking.

Since Trump’s return to office in January, the DNA testing program has been reinstated. However, Habba noted that other crucial issues remain to be resolved.

She highlighted that some migrant children had been placed in “fake sponsor homes” by HHS. When officials conducted safety checks at these homes, they discovered that the children were no longer present.

“Essentially, they were being re-trafficked,” Habba commented.

The administration is currently collaborating with both public and private sectors to ensure the safety of these children, providing necessary rehabilitation, including therapy and medical assistance, and ensuring they are placed in secure environments.

Tate Brothers and Epstein Files

Habba addressed the recent uproar concerning the Tate brothers, who are currently facing allegations of human trafficking and rape. She faced backlash after mentioning in a January interview that she was a fan of Andrew Tate.

Habba clarified to Jekielek that her remarks had been edited and taken out of context. She asserted that her admiration for Tate was based on his political views and should be considered separately from the allegations against him.

“The allegations against the Tate brothers are stomach-churning. They are deeply troubling,” she expressed. “I absolutely do not condone that behavior,” she asserted regarding the accusations. The Tate brothers are contesting the charges levied against them.

Additionally, Habba provided an update regarding the long-awaited Epstein files.

She mentioned that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are overseeing the investigation to review the files and thoroughly evaluate the claims made.

“We are committed to transparency,” Habba stated, urging the public to exercise patience during the investigation.

“We won’t act impulsively. We’re taking a careful and deliberate approach. Unfortunately, this requires time,” she added.

Habba also shared insights about her upbringing and family, identifying herself as a Middle Eastern Catholic woman. Her parents, both Chaldean Catholics, immigrated from Iraq to the United States in the early 1980s to escape persecution.

“My family is religious and actively engaged in the church, and I take pride in that,” she affirmed.

Trump commended Habba upon announcing her appointment as counselor to the president, underscoring her commitment and loyalty.

“She has shown unwavering loyalty and unmatched resolve, standing by me through numerous ‘trials,’ battles, and countless days in court,” Trump stated on Truth Social on Dec. 8, 2024.

“As a first-generation American of Middle Eastern heritage, she has emerged as a role model for women in law and politics, most recently being named Chaldean Woman of the Year.”