Trump Pardons Trevor Milton: From Nikola Tycoon to Fraud Convict

WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump a complete and unrestricted pardon was granted on Thursday to Trevor Milton The founder of hydrogen-powered truck manufacturer Nikola Corp. has been exonerated of misconduct charges tied to the 2022 conviction for allegedly defrauding the company. investors .

In his case, Milton was represented by the Attorney General. Pam Bondi 's brother, said Trump I personally contacted him to break the news.

I am now free. Prosecutors no longer have the power to harm me. They cannot dismantle my family. They won’t be able to take everything from me. They can't spoil my life, Milton stated in a clip shared on X announcing the reprieve. "It is done. It's over."

Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all the essential news directly in your mailbox every morning.

A representative from the White House verified Milton's pardon to USA TODAY.

In 2023, Milton received a four-year jail term following a verdict that determined he had deceived investors regarding the firm’s technological capabilities. The conviction took place in October 2022 for charges including one instance of securities fraud and two instances of wire fraud; however, he was cleared of another accusation related to securities fraud.

Milton referred to Trump as "an incredible person who took the time to call me directly and express his deep concern about the injustice happening here, which was perpetuated by the very agencies that had hounded and convicted him."

Milton, who previously served as the executive chairman of the Arizona-based startup, faced accusations from federal attorneys for allegedly deceiving the public regarding the capabilities of their hydrogen-powered semitrucks and battery systems. The prosecution stated that the firm had not developed its own batteries as Milton had asserted; rather, they were purchased externally.

Trump told reporters Friday pardoning Milton was "highly recommended by many people," adding that Milton was "taken advantage of" and treated unfairly by the U.S. Southern District Court of New York , where he faced prosecution.

“I’m not acquainted with him, but I’ve heard it was extremely unjust,” Trump stated, asserting that Milton faced persecution due to his support for Trump. “You can’t comprehend—it was a ruthless bunch who occupied this office previously.”

Brad Bondi, the lawyer representing Milton who is also the sibling of Pam Bondi, did not respond to an inquiry for comments.

General Motors joined forces with Nikola. To create an electric pickup truck, however, GM eventually reduced the scope of the partnership due to the accusations facing the corporation.

Last month, Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and declared its intention to proceed with the sale of its assets.

Contributing: Reuters.

Find Joey Garrison on X at @joeygarrison.

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Trump has granted a pardon to Trevor Milton, the founder of the bankrupt truck manufacturer Nikola, who was found guilty of fraud.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Paradise Islands Offer Citizenship for Less Than £36,000

Australian Grand Prix Fences Go Black for Clever Reason

Bill Passes Just Hours Before Deadline, Averts Shutdown and Defeats Filibuster