Donald Trump Pardons Nikola Founder Trevor Milton Following Fraud Conviction
The pardon restores Milton’s rights and has reignited debates over justice, political influence, and corporate accountability.
- Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corp., received a full and unconditional pardon from former President Donald Trump on March 28, 2025.
- Milton was convicted in 2022 of fraud for misleading investors about Nikola's technology, including staging promotional videos of a non-operational truck.
- Sentenced to four years in prison in 2023, Milton’s pardon has restored his rights and ended his prison term early.
- Critics, including prominent short seller Jim Chanos, have expressed disbelief over the pardon, questioning its implications for justice and accountability.
- Milton has announced plans to release a documentary addressing his legal battle, aiming to reshape public perception of his case.