Habba Declines to Say If Pardon Fees Go to Trump
The former Trump lawyer, now general counsel for Concord Partners, did not answer whether she would donate deal fees to a Trump-related entity.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
Alina Habba, a former Trump lawyer, reportedly signed a four-year, $50 million agreement to become general counsel for Concord Partners. When CBS News asked whether she would donate the pardon deal fees to Trump's presidential library, she responded "haha," deleted the text and declined to comment.
Why it matters
The arrangement ties a former Trump legal official to a firm whose work followed a presidential pardon for a figure charged in a Puerto Rican bribery scheme. Questions about how such fees are used highlight the intersection of political connections and private business in the United States.
The reported agreement is valued at $50 million over four years, according to the reporting. Habba has not confirmed the terms, and it is not stated whether the figure covers only legal services or other compensation.
The players
Alina Habba
Habba is a former Trump lawyer who previously served as U.S. attorney for New Jersey and has since taken a role with Concord Partners.
Concord Partners
Concord Partners is a firm established in October 2025 by the daughter of Julio Herrera Velutini.
Julio Herrera Velutini
Herrera Velutini was charged by the Biden Justice Department for his role in a Puerto Rican bribery scheme and later received a full presidential pardon from Trump.
Donald Trump
Trump is the current President of the United States, who granted the pardon to Herrera Velutini and publicly rebuked Habba at a Halloween party in late October.
The details
Concord Partners was established in October 2025 by the daughter of Julio Herrera Velutini, who was charged by the Biden Justice Department over a Puerto Rican bribery scheme before receiving a full presidential pardon on January 15. Habba began her role at the firm on January 1, and after CBS News asked about the pardon fees, she replied "haha," deleted the message and declined further comment.
Timeline
January 1: Habba officially began her role as general counsel for Concord Partners.
January 15: Trump granted Herrera Velutini a full presidential pardon.
October 2025: Concord Partners was established.
Late October: Trump publicly rebuked Habba at a Mar-a-Lago Halloween party.
November 5, 2026: CBS News asked Habba about donating the pardon fees, and she declined to comment.
Market Landscape
The Habba-Concord arrangement reflects a recurring pattern in which former Trump-world legal figures take private-sector roles following pardon-related activity. Such moves draw attention to how political access translates into lucrative corporate agreements in the financial and advisory sector.
For readers following political fundraising and donor activity, the case shows that pardon-related fees and presidential library contributions can become subjects of public scrutiny. Donors and watchdog groups may track whether such payments are directed toward Trump-affiliated institutions.
The takeaway
Political connections can shape the financial outcomes of pardon-related cases, and reporters continue to press for transparency on where those fees ultimately flow. Readers should watch for further disclosures about payments tied to presidential libraries and affiliated entities.
Further reading
For more on how private giving and political donations intersect, explore our Philanthropy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Caller.
