Alina Habba's New $70k Handbag Fuels Outrage

Alina Habba's handbag is causing controversy online.

In a photograph shared to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, Donald Trump's lawyer appears to be holding a Hermès Birkin bag—which comes with a hefty price tag.

"Trump lawyer Alina Habba at Mar-a-Lago holding a $70,000 Hermès Croc Birkin bag," user @patriottakes wrote alongside the image, which quickly went viral, racking up over 300,000 views and counting.

Newsweek has reached out to Alina Habba for comment via email.

Although Newsweek couldn't confirm the exact make and model of the handbag, according to Heritage Auctions, the Crocodile skin Birkin bags sell for roughly $60,000 to $70,000.

Several users were stunned by the price, with one user asking: "What could possibly make a handbag worth 70K?"

"70K? Is there a small car inside?" commented Craig Silverman.

"1 and 1/2 of those bags would pay off my mortgage," wrote Julie.

"Trump supporters actually paid for that bag," claimed @planterspunch7.

"And yet his rally goers constantly talk about how 'relatable' [Trump] is," said @arznasun1. "Money doesn't buy morals."

Habba—a managing partner of Habba Madaio & Associates LLP— represented Donald Trump in his second case against E. Jean Carroll. The writer accused the former president of rape in the 1990s, which Trump has denied.

Carroll filed a civil case against the business mogul in November 2022 for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump was found liable and fined $5 million in April 2023. He launched a counter-claim against the magazine editor, which was dismissed in August.

However, the case was the second time Carroll had sued Trump for defamation. As the statute of limitations in New York originally prevented her from suing for sexual assault, she filed a suit for defamation alone. The lawsuit was settled in January, with the author awarded $83.3 million. Trump is appealing both verdicts.

Habba came under fire for her behavior at the trial, with the 40-year-old litigator frequently butting heads with Judge Lewis Kaplan.

At one point, Kaplan threatened to put Habba in "lock up," telling the lawyer to "sit down" following a heated exchange in the courtroom.

He also questioned her legal knowledge, suggesting she "refresh" her memory about the correct way to get "document into evidence," along with asking if she knew the meaning of the word "none."

Following the verdict, Trump posted to Truth Social, with his comments indicating he may use a different legal team for his appeal.

"I am in the process, along with my team, of interviewing various law firms to represent me in an Appeal of one of the most ridiculous and unfair Witch Hunts our Country has ever seen," the 77-year-old wrote in February.

Habba previously represented Trump in his lawsuit against The New York Times and his niece, Mary Trump, which was thrown out in May, and in his New York civil fraud trial.

Why Are Birkin Bags so Expensive?

Created in the 1980s, the bag was inspired by British actress and style icon Jane Birkin, who bumped into Hermès CEO Louis Dumas on a plane.

Many factors influence the cost of a Birkin bag. The designs are made using fine materials such as calf and ostrich leather—with the type affecting the price—and they are handcrafted rather than made on a factory floor.

The brand also restricts the number that are created, increasing demand, with potential buyers subjected to years-long waiting lists. The bags are collectors' items, as well as a fashion statement, with their value often rising over time.