Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola Corp., announced via social media on Thursday that he has received a full pardon from former President Donald Trump. Milton stated that Trump personally informed him about the pardon, which was later confirmed by the White House. This development comes after Milton was convicted in October 2022 of securities fraud and wire fraud related to misleading investors regarding Nikola’s technology and products. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to four years in prison, although he has not yet begun serving his sentence as he awaits an appeal.
In his social media post, Milton expressed gratitude for the pardon, framing it as a significant action not just for himself but for others he believes have been unjustly treated by the government. He also noted the erosion of trust in the Justice Department, citing his personal experiences with the legal system.
Notably, Milton and his wife contributed over $1.8 million to Trump’s re-election campaign fund shortly before the 2024 election, as reported by the Associated Press.
In recent developments, Nikola Corp. has faced significant challenges, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month. The company, which specializes in hydrogen-electric and battery-electric semi-trucks, announced its plans to pursue an auction and sale process under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Milton has not held a position with the company since stepping down from the board in 2020.