President Trump Slams Alina Habba

What happened

Updated Nov 1, 2:15pm ET

President Trump denounced Alina Habba Mildon’s $50 million deal with a pardoned banker’s family. Habba Mildon signed a four-year contract as general counsel for a company tied to Julio Herrera Velutini’s family, with guaranteed pay of more than $50 million. Trump pardoned Herrera on January 15, 2026, two weeks after she began the work. She signed while acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey and began while a senior Justice Department adviser. Herrera had faced federal bribery charges, then pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor campaign-finance violation. Trump said she used their relationship to secure the deal. Habba Mildon said she did no pardon work. It remains unclear whether the contract can end early.

How the left told it

Left-leaning outlets framed the rebuke as a rupture with a loyal insider, not just a fight over fees. MEDIAite emphasized Trump turning sharply on Habba Mildon while highlighting concerns that access to him helped a pardon-seeking family. AlterNet cast Trump’s anger as frustration over being cut out of proceeds, rather than a stand against corruption.

How the right told it

Right-leaning outlets framed the contract as an outrageous payday, stressing Trump’s condemnation more than broader influence claims. Daily Mail focused on Trump’s charge that Habba exploited her relationship behind his back and should surrender money to a Trump-related entity. Newsmax lingered on the overlap between private financial interests and Justice Department duties.