President Donald Trump publicly rebuked his former personal attorney, Alina Habba, after details emerged regarding an agreement she secured worth upwards of $50 million with the family of Julio Herrera Velutini, a Venezuelan billionaire who recently received an executive pardon.
Asked about the matter during a Halloween event held at Mar-a-Lago, Trump voiced harsh disapproval of Habba’s actions, stating, “I thought it was totally obnoxious and outrageous, and it’s not acceptable — at all.”
Controversial Multi-Million-Dollar Retainer
Trump’s comments followed a report by The New York Times outlining the financial terms of Habba’s agreement with the Herrera family. The contract guarantees Habba, also known as Alina Habba Mildon, $10 million annually over a four-year period, alongside potential bonuses that push the total valuation past $50 million.
Under the arrangement, Habba was retained as general counsel for Concord Partners, an entity established by Herrera’s daughter. Concord Partners holds no public profile, and the nature of its commercial operations remains unclear even to individuals linked to the Herrera business empire.
Pardon Timing and Justice Department Background
Habba officially began her employment with the family on January 1. Several weeks later, Trump granted Herrera a full and unconditional presidential pardon for a misdemeanor campaign finance violation. Herrera had initially faced federal felony bribery charges before reaching a plea agreement in 2025.
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Habba entered into the private contract after serving as a personal attorney to Trump, briefly working as a U.S. attorney in New Jersey, and serving as an adviser within the Department of Justice. For her part, Habba has denied that her legal retainer had any connection to Herrera securing presidential clemency.
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Demands for Presidential Library Contributions
Reporting indicates that Trump was furious upon first learning the financial scale of Habba’s employment. According to individuals briefed on internal discussions, Trump suggested to aides and confidants that Habba should direct a portion of her earnings toward his future presidential library or another affiliated cause.
Trump also reportedly informed at least one ally that the Herrera family should halt future payouts on the four-year contract, a directive that was subsequently communicated to the family. While Trump placed a phone call to Habba regarding the contract, it remains unconfirmed whether he directly asked her for a donation during that exchange.
Neither Habba, the Herrera family, nor the White House provided responses to inquiries regarding the private discussions or whether any revisions to her employment agreement are being considered.
Collateral Allegations Involving Kennedy Center Funds
The public dispute follows other recent tensions involving Habba. After recently marrying a 25-year-old billionaire, Habba surfaced allegations concerning Ric Grennell. The claims centered on a purported $5.6 million donation by Habba’s new husband meant for the Kennedy Center, which allegedly never reached the institution. Grennell has disputed and denied the accusations made by Habba.
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