Trump’s Pardon of Nikola’s Former CEO Trevor Milton
By Team Dailyrevs March 29, 2025
Trevor Milton, former CEO of Nikola, has been fully pardoned by Donald Trump despite being convicted of securities and wire fraud.
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Milton claims political persecution, while Trump suggests his support for the former president was a key factor in his prosecution.
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A new documentary by Milton aims to provide his side of the story and question the fairness of his conviction.
A Presidential Pardon That’s Raising Eyebrows
Trevor Milton, the controversial founder of electric truck startup Nikola, has been granted a full pardon by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Milton, convicted of securities and wire fraud in 2022, was originally sentenced to four years in prison for misleading investors about Nikola’s technological capabilities. However, his pardon has reignited discussions about the fairness of the American justice system and the role of political influence in high-profile legal cases.
A Brief Timeline of Milton’s Fall and Rise
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Short-seller Hindenburg Research accuses Nikola of fraud, calling it an "intricate fraud" |
| 2022 | Milton is convicted of securities and wire fraud for misleading investors |
| 2023 | Sentenced to four years in prison, fined $1M, and ordered to pay $167.7M to Nikola |
| 2024 | Donald Trump, during his campaign, criticizes hydrogen technology |
| 2025 | Trump grants Milton a full pardon |
Trump’s Justification for the Pardon
When asked about his decision, Trump stated:
"I think he was exonerated. And then they brought him into New York, he had a rough, rough road, and … he was exonerated. It was a big celebration."
He further suggested that Milton’s conviction was politically motivated, arguing:
"They say the thing that he did wrong was, he was one of the first people that supported a gentleman named Donald Trump for president. He supported Trump. He liked Trump. I didn’t know him, but he liked him."
Milton’s Response and His Documentary
Following his pardon, Milton wasted no time in sharing his thoughts. On social media, he posted:
"This pardon is not just about me—it’s about every American who has been railroaded by the government."
Milton has also announced the release of a documentary titled Conviction of Conspiracy: The Trevor Milton Saga, which he claims will provide an in-depth look at the legal battles that led to his conviction. The film’s trailer, uploaded to his personal YouTube channel, promises to "pull back the curtain" on the legal and media storm that surrounded his case.