In the wake of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, legal advisor Alina Habba’s reaction stood in stark contrast to that of former First Lady Melania Trump. Habba, a loyal attorney who has worked closely with Trump through various legal battles, showed a deeply emotional response during an event in Oklahoma.
“He’s my friend, and I was devastated,” Habba said, her voice ringing with raw emotion. “He’s a human being, and I think America forgets that these are human beings.” Her passionate reaction underscored the strong bond she has forged with Trump over the years, as opposed to Melania’s more composed response.
The former First Lady took a quieter, more reserved approach, sharing a brief written statement on X (formerly Twitter) that appealed for unity rather than expressing personal distress. This measured response mirrored Melania’s public demeanor during her time in the White House, where she often remained composed and silent, even at significant events like Donald’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.
Despite the emotional toll of the attempt on his life, Trump’s resolve remained unshaken. Habba, in a conversation with The Washington Examiner, shared, “The man has no fear in the face of opposition. He is absolutely determined to save this country.” She also noted that after the incident, Trump “cared more about whether his friend, Steve Witkoff, was okay than himself.”
The gravity of the situation heightened in September 2024, when an alleged second assassination attempt occurred at Trump’s International Golf Club in Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was taken into custody after attempting to push a rifle through the club’s perimeter fence. Habba reacted strongly to the news, calling the incident “an embarrassment to our country” during an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime.
This sparked bipartisan support in Congress, leading to the introduction of legislation aimed at extending security for former presidents. The bill passed unanimously in the House, signaling the seriousness of the threats against Trump.
Habba’s loyalty to Trump was especially evident in her critique of what she saw as inadequate security measures. “No president in this country, and I mean, no president, Republican or Democrat should be in this situation, not once, but twice,” she stated, expressing deep concern over the failure to protect the former president.
In contrast, Melania’s response to the September incident came in the form of a video that questioned the official narrative, coinciding with the promotion of her memoir. The timing of her statement led many to believe her response was more strategic than emotional, highlighting the stark difference in tone from Habba’s immediate, heartfelt reaction.