Trump signs pardons for Alaska diesel mechanics onstage during rally touting major energy deals

What happened: At a Wasilla rally, President Donald Trump announced pardons for two Alaska diesel mechanics, Zachary Czubak and Patrick Fleming, bringing them onstage to sign clemency documents. Key numbers: Czubak and Fleming admitted tampering with emissions equipment on at least 37 diesel vehicles between July 2019 and September 2020; the shop collected about $100,000. Why it matters: Trump framed the Biden-era prosecutions as unfair and tied the pardons to energy announcements, saying the pipeline can start now that permits are granted. Coverage: 8 outlets in 24h

At a Wasilla rally, President Donald Trump announced pardons for two Alaska diesel mechanics, Zachary Czubak and Patrick Fleming, bringing them onstage to sign clemency documents.

Trump framed the Biden-era prosecutions as unfair and tied the pardons to energy announcements, saying the pipeline can start now that permits are granted.