Trump pardons nine Clean Air Act violators with major donor
On the same day he pardoned donor Adam Kidan, Trump pardoned nine people convicted of tampering with vehicle emissions-control equipment in violation of the Clean Air Act.
What happened
Those pardoned included owners of Michigan and Georgia truck-parts and transportation businesses convicted of disabling or selling devices that bypass mandatory emissions controls. Trump characterized the group as victims of Biden-era weaponization.
Why it matters
Grouping industry-favorable environmental-crime pardons with a major donor's fraud pardon on the same day underscores a broader pattern of using clemency power to benefit business interests and political allies.