Trump Grants Pardons to Nine Individuals Convicted of Emissions Violations

President Donald Trump pardoned nine individuals convicted of violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with emissions-control systems on diesel vehicles. The pardons were announced on July 4, 2026, with Trump stating on Truth Social that the individuals were 'persecuted by the Biden Administration' for 'fixing their car.' Eight of the pardoned individuals were diesel mechanics or car tuners who had been prosecuted for selling and installing 'defeat devices' that bypass federally required emissions controls. These devices can prevent trucks from entering a 'limp' mode that limits speed when emissions systems fail. Matthew Geouge, one of the recipients, reportedly grossed over $10 million from the sale of illegal tuning devices. The Environmental Protection Agency has noted that emissions-control failures are common and have caused significant issues for truckers and farmers. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska supported the pardon of MacKenzie 'Mac' Spurlock, a mechanic who modified emissions controls to prevent vehicle shutdowns in extreme cold. The other individuals pardoned include Ryan and Wade Lalone, Tim Clancy, Joshua Davis, Barry Pierce, Aaron Rudolf, and Jonathan Achtemeier. In January 2026, the Trump administration announced it would cease pursuing criminal charges against manufacturers and users of defeat devices, although civil penalties could still apply.