US President Donald Trump has criticised a reported $50 million contract awarded to his former personal lawyer, Alina Habba Mildon, describing the arrangement as “obnoxious”, “outrageous” and unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Saturday, October 31, Trump said he had told Habba Mildon that he did not want her to receive the money, calling the situation “terrible”.
The controversy follows a report by The New York Times that the family of Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini had guaranteed Habba Mildon more than $50 million over four years through Concord Partners, a company linked to the family. The reported agreement included an annual payment of $10 million, alongside additional bonuses.
Contract Signed While Serving at the Justice Department
According to the reports, Habba Mildon signed the agreement in late October 2025 while serving as acting US attorney for New Jersey. The contract was reportedly concluded shortly after Concord Partners was registered.
She resigned from her position as acting US attorney on December 8, 2025, and was appointed a senior adviser to the attorney general. She reportedly began working with Concord Partners on January 1, 2026.
The timing has attracted scrutiny because Herrera Velutini had faced US felony bribery charges before reaching a plea agreement in August 2025. Trump subsequently granted him a presidential pardon on January 15, 2026.
Habba Mildon Denies Links to Presidential Pardon
Habba Mildon has rejected suggestions that her employment arrangement was connected to securing a presidential pardon for Herrera Velutini.
She has maintained that she was never paid to obtain a pardon, did not meet anyone at the White House or Justice Department to discuss one, and performed no work to secure clemency for the Venezuelan banker.
The US Justice Department had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the reported contract.
The controversy raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, ethical standards in public service and the relationship between private financial arrangements and political influence in Washington.
With the reported contract attracting growing attention, the case could intensify scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of presidential pardons and the conduct of former government officials.
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