President Trump called his former lawyer Alina Habba Mildon’s $50 million contract with a Venezuelan billionaire’s family “totally obnoxious and outrageous.” The deal, signed while Mildon was a senior Justice Department adviser, pays her $10 million a year for four years plus bonuses. It coincides with Trump’s pardon of Julio Herrera Velutini, whose daughter founded the family’s company. Trump said he wants the Herrera family or someone else to donate a portion of the money to his future presidential library. Mildon, who also served as U.S. attorney in New Jersey, has not commented. The situation raises questions about conflicts of interest and the timing of the pardon.
Mildon’s role as a senior adviser and later general counsel for the Herrera family’s firm appears to have been disclosed after the pardon was granted. Critics are watching whether the contract can be terminated early and whether any donation will be made to Trump‑related causes. The White House has not released further details, leaving the episode under scrutiny.
The episode highlights the scrutiny surrounding Trump’s associates and the intersection of legal work, political influence, and pardons. As the story unfolds, more information may emerge about the nature of the agreement and any potential repercussions for both parties involved.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing