PARDONSBY TRUMP
An independent
public-record archive
Home/The Archive/Trevor Milton
Presidential Clemency Record

Trevor Milton

Pardon

  /   2025–Present

Record at a Glance

Clemency type
Pardon
Presidential term
2025–Present
Federal district
Southern District of New York
Offense
Securities fraud; wire fraud (two counts)
Sentence
48 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; (December 18, 2023)
Current status
The SEC announced dismissal of its separate civil enforcement action against Milton on September 11, 2025. That civil dismissal does not alter or itself vacate the criminal jury verdict; the March 2025 full pardon supplies the federal-criminal clemency status.

Original Case

In S.D.N.Y., a jury convicted Milton of one securities-fraud count and two wire-fraud counts concerning false statements about Nikola’s technology and business. On December 18, 2023, he received 48 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, a $1 million fine, and forfeiture of a Utah property. The criminal jury verdict and sentence are distinct from later SEC civil proceedings.

Clemency

Trump granted Milton a full and unconditional pardon on March 27, 2025 before he began serving the 48-month prison term. The grant ended the federal criminal punishment, including the remaining fine and forfeiture consequences covered by the warrant; it was separate from the SEC’s later decision to dismiss its civil case.

Trump Connection

Milton and his wife contributed more than $1.8 million to a Trump re-election committee in October 2024, after Milton’s conviction and before the pardon. Asked about the grant, Trump said it had been “highly recommended” and suggested Milton had been prosecuted because he was an early supporter. The donation, timing, and presidential explanation are all part of the public record; none by itself proves that money was exchanged for clemency.

Since Clemency

  • 2025-09-11 · civil enforcement disposition

    The SEC announced dismissal of its civil enforcement action against Milton in S.D.N.Y. No. 1:21-cv-06445.

    Legal Status: Civil enforcement disposition, separate from the criminal conviction and presidential pardon.

  • 2026-10-06 · congressional oversight inquiry

    Senators Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Dave Min and Mary Gay Scanlon wrote HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seeking information about his reported involvement in Milton's pardon, his relationship with Milton, and financial or political connections surrounding the clemency request.

    Legal Status: Congressional request for information, not a criminal charge or finding that clemency was purchased. The letter requested a response by October 20; no response or later outcome was verified in this review.

Sources

← Return to the archive