Trump Pardoned a Banker After Alina Habba’s $50M Deal

Donald Trump pardoned billionaire banker Julio Herrera Velutini weeks after the banker's family arranged a reported $50 million-plus employment deal for Trump's former lawyer Alina Habba. TJ Walker examines the New York Times investigation, Habba's denial of any connection to the pardon, and why this timeline raises questions about political influence in Washington. According to the New York Times, Habba was guaranteed more than $50 million over four years to serve as general counsel for Concord Partners, a company with little public profile. The deal reportedly included a $10 million annual salary plus bonuses. Weeks after she began the role, Trump granted Herrera Velutini a full pardon. Habba denies that her employment had anything to do with the pardon, and the White House and Justice Department dispute any connection. In today's Filtered with TJ Walker, TJ examines the reporting, the questions it raises, and an extraordinary Fox News poll finding that 88% of registered voters are extremely or very concerned about government corruption. Also in this episode: Health insurance: An estimated 12 million Americans have lost coverage during Trump's second term, according to health policy analyst Charles Gaba, whose findings Paul Krugman discusses. Pete Hegseth: Current and former Pentagon officials are reportedly prepared to share information with congressional investigators if Democrats retake the House. Trump and Jon Husted: The president's unusual comments about the Ohio senator's physique give TJ plenty of material for his closing commentary. From presidential pardons and political connections to healthcare policy and Pentagon accountability, TJ follows the money, examines the reporting, and adds his usual sharp humor. Sources and further reading: New York Times reporting on the Habba employment arrangement (republished by GV Wire): https://gvwire.com/2026/10/21/a-billi... Fox News Poll Archive, October 9-12, 2026: https://www.foxnews.com/official-poll... Paul Krugman - Trump Is Destroying Americans' Healthcare: https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/tr... Anadolu Agency - Pentagon Officials to Testify Against Hegseth: Report: https://aa.com.tr/en/americas/pentago... Mediaite - Trump's Remarks About Senator Jon Husted: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/tru... Subscribe to Filtered with TJ Walker for weekday political commentary, current events, media analysis, and satire that takes the news seriously without taking politicians at their word.