In a dramatic turn of events, Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola Corp., announced on March 27, 2025, that he has received a full and unconditional pardon from President Donald Trump. This pardon comes after Milton's conviction for federal crimes related to defrauding investors, a case that has drawn significant attention since its inception.
Milton, 42, was sentenced in December 2023 to four years in prison after being found guilty of securities and wire fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. His conviction stemmed from misleading statements made to investors regarding the capabilities and success of Nikola's electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. The company, which Milton founded in 2014, was once valued at $30 billion and had a lucrative contract with General Motors.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Milton expressed his elation, stating, "Oh my gosh, oh, you won't believe what just happened. Probably the best day I've had in five years." He further claimed, "I just got a call from the president of the United States, on my phone, and he signed my full and unconditional pardon of innocence. I am free. The prosecutors can no longer hurt me; they can't destroy my family, they can't rip everything away from me, they can't ruin my life." This emotional declaration highlights the impact of his legal battles on his personal life.
The timing of the pardon is notable, as it comes just two weeks after federal prosecutors urged District Court Judge Edgardo Ramos to order Milton to pay restitution of $680 million to Nikola shareholders, along with an additional $15.2 million to Peter Hicks, a victim of his fraudulent activities. If the pardon is confirmed, it would void the case against Milton, and Ramos would be unable to order any restitution.
Milton's legal troubles began in September 2020 when Hindenburg Research published a report accusing him of fraud. The report claimed that Milton had made false statements about Nikola's technology and capabilities, including misleading investors about the development of its hydrogen-powered trucks. Following the allegations, Milton resigned from the company and faced legal repercussions that culminated in his conviction.
In his statements following the pardon, Milton framed his case as part of a broader issue regarding the Justice Department's practices. He stated, "This pardon is not just about me — it's about every American who has been railroaded by the government, and unfortunately, that's a lot of people. It is no wonder why trust and confidence in the Justice Department has eroded to nothing." Milton also pointed to the high conviction rate in the Southern District of New York, noting that 94.3% of cases tried there result in guilty pleas.
Milton's connections to Trump have been scrutinized, particularly as he made significant political donations to Republicans in late 2024, including $920,000 to the Trump 47 Committee. His political contributions totaled $2 million to Republican candidates between September and December of that year, raising questions about the potential influence of these donations on his legal outcomes.
Despite the excitement surrounding the pardon, there has been no official confirmation from the White House or any legal documentation regarding the pardon as of the time of this report. Legal experts note that it is not uncommon for notices of presidential pardons to be filed with the court several days after they are issued.
The implications of this pardon extend beyond Milton himself. It raises questions about the integrity of the justice system and the potential for political influence in legal proceedings. Milton's case has drawn parallels to Trump's own legal challenges, with Milton asserting that there are "striking similarities" between the two situations.
Earlier this month, Trump had also pardoned former Tennessee state Senator Brian Kelsey, who was serving a 21-month prison term for a federal campaign finance conspiracy. Furthermore, Trump granted a pardon to Devon Archer, a former business partner of Hunter Biden, earlier in the week. This pattern of pardoning individuals with connections to Trump has sparked debate about the motivations behind such decisions.
As of February 2025, Nikola Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, citing liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion and assets ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. The company has struggled significantly, having sold only 600 vehicles since 2022, and has faced numerous recalls due to defects.
Milton's conviction and subsequent pardon highlight a tumultuous period for Nikola Corp., which has seen its market capitalization plummet from $30 billion in 2020 to near bankruptcy. The company had been a frontrunner in the electric and hydrogen truck market but has faced intense scrutiny and criticism for its business practices.
In the wake of the pardon announcement, Milton is reportedly set to launch a documentary titled "The Trevor Milton Saga: Conviction or Conspiracy," which will likely delve into his experiences and the legal battles he faced. This documentary could serve as a platform for Milton to share his perspective on the events that transpired and the alleged injustices he believes he suffered.
As the situation continues to develop, many are watching closely to see how the legal landscape changes for Milton and Nikola Corp. The potential ramifications of this pardon could extend beyond Milton's personal freedom, impacting public perception of the justice system and the accountability of corporate leaders.
In summary, the pardon of Trevor Milton by President Trump marks a significant moment in a complex saga involving allegations of fraud, corporate mismanagement, and political influence. As the story unfolds, it raises important questions about the intersection of justice and politics in America.
