Trump Pardons Two Mechanics During Alaska Campaign Stop

President Donald Trump pardoned two mechanics on stage Tuesday in Wasilla, Alaska, clearing them of their guilty pleas to violating environmental laws. The pardons were announced for Zachary Czubak and Patrick Fleming, who had pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act. Trump described the pardons as 'unconditional.' He stated, 'That means you’re as clean as a newborn baby’s ass,' and later remarked that the pardons were 'worth the eight hours in a plane.' After signing and handing Fleming his pardon on stage, Trump encouraged the pair to address the crowd. Czubak called for the reelection of the state’s congressional Republicans, who had lobbied Trump for the pardons, while Fleming expressed gratitude to the president for his freedom, stating, 'This means the world to me. It really did destroy us.' He added, 'We’re not criminals. We’re not trying to hurt anybody. We want to help Alaskans.' Trump also mentioned Mackenzie Spurlock, another Alaskan mechanic who had pleaded guilty to the same violation and whom he pardoned earlier this year. This campaign stop in Alaska comes as the Republican Party makes its final push toward the midterms, with incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan trailing behind Democratic challenger Mary Peltola in recent polls. The Cook Political Report updated its outlook for the governor’s race in favor of Democratic candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, who is the only Democrat in a four-person race that includes three Republican candidates, potentially splitting the Republican vote.