Trump’s Ex-Lawyer Denies Pardon Deal After $50M Job Offer

Alina Habba, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, is pushing back against claims she helped secure a presidential pardon for Venezuelan billionaire Julio Herrera Velutini in exchange for a $50 million legal role. The New York Times reported the deal was finalized as Habba served as a Senior Advisor to Attorney General Pam Bondi ^[1].

Velutini, indicted in 2022 over an alleged bribery scheme involving Puerto Rico’s governor, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor campaign finance violation in 2025. Weeks after Habba began her new role as general counsel at Concord Partners—a company set up by Velutini’s daughter—Trump issued him a full pardon ^[2].

The Times cited sources suggesting the $50 million, four-year contract was tied to securing the pardon, though Habba denies any connection. "Any insinuation that my employment... had anything to do with securing a pardon is false and defamatory," she wrote on X ^[1]. She also noted her work was vetted and disclosed to the Department of Justice.

Concord Partners, which has no public profile or known business activity, was reportedly established in 2025 by Velutini’s wife ^[2]. The firm’s lack of transparency has raised eyebrows, especially given the timing of Habba’s appointment on January 1 and the pardon issued shortly after.

Habba, 42, is also married to Turkish billionaire Turhan Mildon and is under investigation over an alleged pay-for-influence scandal involving a donation to the Kennedy Center, which Richard Grenell denies ^[2]. The White House has asked counsel Will Scharf to look into the matter.

A September Gallup poll found 89% of Americans believe corruption is widespread in government ^[2]. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged systemic issues but denied any evidence of Trump’s involvement.

While Habba’s role remains legally permissible under her status as a special government employee, the timing and scale of the deal have fueled public skepticism. The claim that she was hired to help secure the pardon has not been confirmed and is reported by one source only. The story was first reported by TMZ and The Independent.