Trump Condemns Former Attorney’s $50M Contract with Pardoned Banker’s Family

Key points

• Alina Habba Mildon signed a four-year contract worth over $50 million with Concord Partners, a company owned by the family of Julio Herrera Velutini, while serving as a senior adviser to the US Attorney General.
• The contract included an annual salary of $10 million plus bonuses, and Mildon began working for Concord Partners on January 1, 2026, while still employed by the Justice Department.
• Trump pardoned Herrera on January 15, 2026, two weeks after Mildon started her new role, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
• Mildon denies any role in securing the pardon, stating she never discussed the pardon with the White House or Justice Department and was never paid to obtain it.
• Trump called the arrangement 'obnoxious and outrageous' and suggested Mildon should donate part of the money to his presidential library or another Trump-related organization.

Background

This incident follows a series of controversies involving Trump’s pardons and his close associates. In October 2026, Trump was criticized for granting a pardon to Jason Galanis, a convicted fraudster engaged to Savannah Chrisley. Additionally, Trump has faced scrutiny over his handling of other high-profile cases, including the pardon of Flavio Bolsonaro, a failed Brazilian presidential candidate. These events have raised questions about the integrity of the pardon process and the potential for conflicts of interest within the administration.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and Reuters emphasize the conflict of interest and the timing of the pardon, highlighting the potential for corruption. The New York Post focuses on the financial aspects of the deal and the public backlash, while The Palm Beach Post contextualizes the incident within the broader political climate, including Trump’s midterm campaign and his defense of other controversial figures like Jensen Huang. All sources agree on the basic facts but differ in their emphasis on the implications and the broader political context.

Why it matters

This incident raises significant questions about the integrity of the presidential pardon process and the potential for conflicts of interest within the administration. It highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government appointments and the handling of high-profile cases. The public backlash and media scrutiny may have implications for Trump’s approval ratings and the broader political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.

What to watch

The Justice Department has not responded to requests for comment, and it is unclear whether any formal investigation will be launched. Mildon’s future role within the administration and her relationship with Trump may be affected by the ongoing controversy. The midterm elections in November 2026 may also be influenced by public perception of corruption and conflicts of interest within the administration.