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Trump Pardons Michelino Sunseri in Grand Teton Shortcut Case

The clemency caps a yearlong prosecution widely cited as a test of overcriminalization in agency rule enforcement.

Overview

  • President Donald J. Trump signed the pardon on November 7, erasing Sunseri’s misdemeanor conviction and ending any penalties.
  • Sunseri was found guilty in September 2025 of leaving the Garnet Canyon Trail to use the Old Climber’s Trail during his September 2, 2024 Grand Teton speed run.
  • FastestKnownTime.com voided his 2:50:50 mark after confirming he used the shortcut, and the case drew substantial attention within the outdoor community.
  • Prosecutors had recently moved to dismiss the case if he completed 60 hours of community service and a wilderness stewardship course, a deal the judge questioned before the pardon mooted further hearings.
  • FOIA disclosures showed the National Park Service wanted to withdraw support for prosecution under an executive order on overcriminalization, while DOJ pressed ahead; a feature documentary, Racing Grand Teton, is now in post‑production for a planned 2026 release.