WASHINGTON, D.C. — New Jersey U.S. Attorney Alina Habba pushed back against media scrutiny Tuesday, defending the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal in official communications and accusing reporters of sensationalizing the issue.
Speaking to reporters today, Habba downplayed concerns surrounding the private chat, insisting that there was transparency and that the matter was being exaggerated.
“We were upfront about it,” she said. “We went in yesterday, as you saw, for the better (part) of the day and got questions and answers by everybody.”
Key Points:
- Alina Habba dismissed concerns over Signal use as media “noise”
- Said officials have a right to use encrypted apps for communication
- Defended Rep. Mike Waltz and called the controversy a distraction
Habba criticized press coverage as attention-seeking and dismissed the outlet at the story’s center.
“This is — in my opinion — something that they’re making a big to do about nothing. A reporter that is trying to get clout,” she said. “I frankly have never read The Atlantic. I don’t plan to, but he answered the questions, I’m going to defer to those answers from the cabinet.”
She asserted that use of Signal was within rights: “We’re allowed to have communications. That’s period — the end.”
Habba also voiced support for Rep. Mike Waltz, saying, “We stand by Mike Waltz; he’s doing a tremendous job. I think this is a distraction.”
Calling for a shift in focus, she concluded, “I would love if the press, for once, would focus on the actual facts and actions of the administration. This is just — this is frankly just noise.”
“It’s very clear Goldberg oversold what he had. But one thing in particular really stands out. Remember when he was attacking Ratcliffe for blowing the cover for a CIA agent? Turns out Ratcliffe was simply naming his chief of staff,” said Vice President J.D. Vance.
“No locations. No sources & methods. NO WAR PLANS. Foreign partners had already been notified that strikes were imminent. BOTTOM LINE: President Trump is protecting America and our interests,” Waltz posted on X.