Trump Shocked By Betrayal From Close Ally
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized his former attorney, Alina Habba Mildon, following allegations that she stood to receive $50 million for helping secure a presidential pardon for a wealthy Venezuelan businessman. Trump described the reported arrangement as excessive and unacceptable, making clear that he was unhappy with the deal.
Speaking to reporters Saturday during a Halloween celebration at Mar-a-Lago, Trump addressed allegations involving Habba Mildon and Venezuelan billionaire Julio Herrera Velutini. Reports have raised questions about a financial agreement that allegedly involved Habba Mildon using her government connections to help Herrera Velutini obtain a presidential pardon.
Trump said he had already expressed his objections directly to Habba Mildon. He indicated that he did not believe she should receive payment for the arrangement and questioned why such a substantial financial agreement had been pursued.
The president acknowledged that attorneys are entitled to compensation for legitimate legal work but argued that the reported amount went far beyond what he considered reasonable. He also suggested that Habba Mildon had relied on her personal connections to facilitate the effort.
When reporters asked whether Trump had discussed the possibility of Habba Mildon contributing some of the money to his future presidential library or another business associated with him, he rejected the suggestion that she was the person he expected to receive such a contribution. He instead reiterated his criticism of her actions, describing the reported arrangement as unacceptable.
According to documents and interviews cited in the reporting, Habba Mildon’s alleged agreement included an annual payment of $10 million over four years, along with additional bonuses. The arrangement reportedly began in January, several weeks before Trump issued a full pardon to Herrera Velutini.
Herrera Velutini is the founder of Bancrédito International Bank & Trust. His legal troubles date back several years. In 2022, he faced federal allegations involving conspiracy, bribery and fraud, in addition to misdemeanor campaign finance violations connected to the case for which he ultimately received a presidential pardon.
The allegations have drawn attention because of the reported financial terms, the timing of the agreement and Habba Mildon’s position within the Justice Department. Trump’s public comments now add another dimension to the controversy, particularly given his direct criticism of a former attorney who had previously been part of his legal team.
