Who is Trevor Milton? All about Trump Pardons Nikola Founder

In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Trevor Milton, the disgraced founder of electric truck maker Nikola Corp., wiping away his 2022 federal fraud conviction just as prosecutors were seeking $695 million in restitution for defrauded investors.

The Case Against Milton

Milton, 42, was convicted in October 2022 on securities and wire fraud charges for lying to investors about Nikola’s technology, including false claims that the company had working hydrogen-powered trucks when it did not. Prosecutors argued that his deception cost investors—including retirees—millions in losses.

• December 2023: Milton was sentenced to four years in prison but remained free pending appeal.
• March 2025: Federal prosecutors pushed for $680millioninshareholderrestitution\ast \ast and\ast \ast$15.2 million for victim Peter Hicks.
• Pardon Impact: Trump’s clemency blocks any restitution orders, leaving victims without compensation.

Milton’s Reaction: “I Am Free”

In an emotional Instagram video, Milton celebrated the pardon, calling it “the best day I’ve had in five years.”

“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.”

He also drew parallels between his case and Trump’s legal battles, claiming the justice system is “eroded.”

Political Donations & Timing Raise Questions

• Milton donated $920,000 to Trump’s “Trump 47 Committee” in late 2024.
• Total GOP donations reportedly exceeded $2 million in late 2024.
• The pardon comes weeks before prosecutors sought massive restitution, fueling criticism of political favoritism.

White House & Legal Fallout

• The White House confirmed the pardon but provided no further justification.
• The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office (which prosecuted Milton) declined to comment.
• Legal experts note pardons do not overturn convictions but erase penalties—meaning Milton’s record remains tainted, though he avoids prison.

Trump’s Growing Pardon List

This follows other high-profile pardons, including:

• Devon Archer (Hunter Biden’s ex-business partner, convicted of fraud).
• Brian Kelsey (ex-Tennessee senator jailed for campaign finance crimes).
• 1,500+ Jan. 6 defendants pardoned immediately after Trump’s inauguration.

What’s Next?

• Milton’s $1 million fine is now void.
• Investors defrauded by Nikola cannot recover losses via court-ordered restitution.
• Legal analysts warn the move undermines corporate accountability.

Final Thought: While Milton celebrates his freedom, critics argue the pardon rewards deception and denies justice to those who lost millions. The decision adds fuel to ongoing debates over presidential pardon power and its potential for abuse