Washington, Mar 29 (V7N) ― President Donald Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon to Trevor Milton, the founder of the hydrogen-powered truck company Nikola Corp. The pardon clears Milton of any wrongdoing related to his 2022 conviction for defrauding investors.

Milton, who was sentenced to four years in prison in 2023 for securities fraud and wire fraud, expressed his gratitude after receiving the news from Trump. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Milton said, "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. It is done. It's over."

A White House official confirmed Milton’s pardon to USA TODAY.

In October 2022, Milton was convicted of lying to investors about the capabilities of Nikola's hydrogen semi-trucks and battery systems. Federal prosecutors claimed that Milton misled the public by claiming that the company developed its own technology when, in fact, it bought the batteries. However, Milton was acquitted on another securities fraud charge.

Trump, who spoke to reporters on Friday, said the pardon was "highly recommended by many people" and described Milton as someone who was "taken advantage of" and treated unfairly by prosecutors. Trump further claimed that Milton’s prosecution was politically motivated, stating that the case was handled by a "vicious group of people" before his administration.

Milton, who served as the former executive chairman of Nikola, was a prominent figure in the electric vehicle industry. Despite Nikola's partnership with General Motors to produce an electric pickup truck, GM later scaled back the alliance amid the allegations against Milton’s company. Recently, Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced plans to sell its assets.

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