By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Donald Trump reportedly erupted in anger after learning that his former attorney Alina Habba secured a $50 million contract with a Venezuelan billionaire who later received a presidential pardon, according to a New York Times report.
Habba's Contract and Herrera's Pardon
Habba was hired by the family of Julio Herrera Velutini while serving as an adviser to the Justice Department and before her resignation in December 2025. The Velutini family proposed paying Habba $10 million per year for four years plus bonuses, making her general counsel to Concord Partners, a firm established by Herrera's wife in 2025 with no public presence. Herrera, a banker indicted in 2022 on charges related to an alleged scheme to bribe Puerto Rico's governor, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor campaign finance violation in 2025. Trump issued Herrera an unconditional pardon in January 2026.
Trump's Reaction and Demands
Trump privately raged to allies last week that Habba should donate some of the $50 million toward his future presidential library or another Trump cause. Sources with knowledge of the contract suggested Habba was hired to help secure the pardon, the Times reported.
Habba's Denial and Legal Status
Habba, who recently married Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon, denied any role in obtaining the pardon. She stated her employment was vetted and disclosed to the Department of Justice. In an October 21 social media post, Habba declared she was never paid to secure a pardon, never met with White House or DOJ officials about a pardon, and never performed any work for a pardon for anyone. The Times noted that while employed by Concord Partners, Habba held special government employee status, which permits outside work with certain restrictions.
Broader Clemency Lobbying Concerns
The Wall Street Journal reported last year that a cottage industry of clemency lobbying has emerged during Trump's second term, with lobbyists citing a going rate of $1 million to advocate for a pardon. Trump has also reportedly asked White House Counsel Will Scharf to investigate Habba's involvement in another alleged pay-for-influence scandal involving Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center's former leader, who denies wrongdoing.
