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Trump Presses Former Lawyer Over $50 Million Venezuelan Contract

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Event

President Donald Trump expressed anger after learning that his former attorney, Alina Habba Mildon, secured a contract exceeding $50 million to serve as general counsel for a company founded by the daughter of Venezuelan billionaire Julio Herrera Velutini. According to multiple people briefed on the matter, Trump told aides and allies that the Herrera family should withhold payment on the contract and that Mildon should donate a portion of the fee to his future presidential library or another Trump-related entity. He also contacted Mildon directly about the agreement, though it is unclear whether he explicitly requested a donation.

New York Times

02

Background & Context

Habba Mildon previously acted as Trump’s personal lawyer and briefly held the position of U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey. While serving as an adviser at the Justice Department, she signed the four-year agreement last year to act as general counsel for the Herrera family’s venture. At the time, Julio Herrera Velutini was seeking a presidential pardon from Trump, linking the contract to a broader political context.

New York Times

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Alina Habba Mildon, while working as an adviser at the Justice Department, had signed on last year to serve as a general counsel for a company started by the daughter of Julio Herrera Velutini, who was seeking a pardon
Alina Habba Mildon, while working as an adviser at the Justice Department, had signed on last year to serve as a general counsel for a company started by the daughter of Julio Herrera Velutini, who was seeking a pardonPhoto: nytimes

03

Data & Statistics

  • Contract value: more than $50 million.
New York Times
  • Duration: four-year agreement.
New York Times
  • Relationship: the company is owned by the daughter of Julio Herrera Velutini, a billionaire Venezuelan who was pursuing a pardon from Trump.
New York Times

04

Official Statements & Responses

  • Donald Trump (as reported by briefed aides): suggested that the Herrera family should stop paying the remaining contract amount and that Mildon should allocate part of her fee to Trump-related causes.
New York Times
  • Alina Habba Mildon: declined to comment on the conversation with Trump or on any potential donation.
New York Times
  • Herrera family: did not respond to inquiries about whether they intend to alter the contract or address Trump’s request.
New York Times

The episode highlights ongoing scrutiny of former officials’ post-government business dealings and raises questions about potential conflicts of interest tied to past political favors.

New York Times