Trump Criticizes Ex-Lawyer's $50 Million Deal with Pardoned Banker's Family

What Happened

US President Donald Trump has criticized one of his former lawyers, Alina Habba Mildon, for signing a contract worth more than $50 million with the family of a Venezuelan banker whom Trump later pardoned.

According to reports, Habba Mildon signed a four-year contract in October 2025 with a company owned by the family of Julio Herrera Velutini, a Venezuelan banker who was seeking a presidential pardon.

Herrera was accused of bribing former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez Garced in exchange for removing a financial regulator who was investigating his bank.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that Habba Mildon signed a lucrative deal with the family of a Venezuelan banker while working as a federal prosecutor and later began working for the banker's family while still being employed as an adviser to the US Department of Justice.

Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Saturday that he thought the deal was 'totally obnoxious and outrageous, and it's not acceptable'.

According to The New York Times, Habba Mildon's contract with the banker's family guaranteed her more than $50 million over four years, including an annual salary of $10 million and bonuses.

Where the Accounts Conflict

There are conflicting accounts regarding Habba Mildon's role in securing Herrera's pardon, with Habba Mildon denying having any role in securing the pardon and Trump reportedly furious when he learned about the size of her contract.

Trump was quoted as saying that Habba Mildon should donate some of the money to his future presidential library or another Trump-related organization, and that Herrera's family should stop paying her the remainder of the contract.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters, leaving some questions unanswered regarding the arrangement and potential conflicts of interest.

Context and Stakes

The arrangement has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Habba Mildon's government position and her ties to Trump.

The company that hired her, Concord Partners, has no public profile and its business activities remain unclear, according to The New York Times.

The stakes are high, with the potential for damage to Trump's reputation and the credibility of the US justice system, as well as the possibility of further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Herrera's pardon.

What to Watch Next

As the situation unfolds, it will be important to watch for further developments regarding Habba Mildon's contract and her relationship with the Venezuelan banker's family, as well as any potential investigation into the circumstances surrounding Herrera's pardon.

Additionally, the reaction of the Justice Department and other government agencies to the arrangement will be closely watched, as will any potential fallout for Trump and his administration.

It is also possible that Congress may launch an investigation into the matter, which could lead to further revelations and potentially significant consequences for those involved.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the criticism of Alina Habba Mildon's $50 million deal with the family of a pardoned Venezuelan banker has raised significant questions about potential conflicts of interest and the credibility of the US justice system.

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to closely watch for further developments and potential fallout for Trump and his administration, as well as the potential for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pardon.

The arrangement has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government, particularly when it comes to the handling of high-profile cases and the potential for conflicts of interest among government officials.