In a move that has sent shockwaves through the electric vehicle (EV) industry, President Donald Trump has pardoned Trevor Milton, the founder and former CEO of Nikola Motors, who was convicted of defrauding investors in his zero-emission truck company. The White House confirmed the pardon on Friday, sparking controversy and raising questions about the implications for the industry.

Milton was convicted in 2023 of lying about Nikola's capabilities, including falsely claiming that the company had built its own electric truck, the Nikola One, from the "ground up." He was also accused of staging a video that purportedly showed the truck driving under its own power, when in reality it was rolling down a hill. The conviction led to a four-year prison sentence, although Milton remained out on bond while appealing his conviction.

In a video posted on X, Milton celebrated his pardon, saying "I am free. The prosecutors can no longer hurt me." The pardon has sparked outrage among those who believe that Milton's actions undermined trust in the EV industry and put investors at risk. The controversy surrounding Nikola began in 2020, when short-selling firm Hindenburg Research published a report accusing the company of fraud, including the staged video. The report led to Milton's resignation as CEO and chairman of the board, as well as his eventual arrest.

Nikola's troubles continued even after Milton's departure, with the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. The company had staked out a unique position in the EV space by claiming it would make zero-emission big rigs using hydrogen fuel cell technology. However, questions about its claims and business practices led to a decline in investor confidence and ultimately, its financial downfall.

This is not the first time that Trump has pardoned a controversial figure from the transportation world. In his first term, he pardoned Anthony Levandowski, who was convicted of stealing trade secrets from Google's self-driving car division. The pardon has raised concerns about the message it sends to the industry and the potential consequences for accountability and transparency.

The implications of Milton's pardon are still unclear, but it is likely to have significant repercussions for the EV industry. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, the need for transparency and accountability will only become more pressing. The pardon has sparked a renewed conversation about the importance of ethical business practices and the role of regulators in ensuring that companies operate with integrity.

As the news of the pardon continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the controversy surrounding Trevor Milton and Nikola Motors is far from over. The industry will be watching closely to see how this development affects the landscape of electric vehicles and the broader tech industry.