Trump Grants Pardons to Auto Workers at Alaska Rally
WHO:
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - President Trump, Zachary Czubak, Patrick Fleming, Michael Hanzuk, Mac Spurlock, GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan, Democratic candidate Mary Peltola
WHAT:
[12:13 AM EDT] - Fox News - Trump announced that a major natural gas pipeline secured federal permits during the rally.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - President Trump granted pardons to Zachary Czubak and Patrick Fleming during a rally.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Czubak and Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act in 2022.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Czubak and Fleming were sentenced to five years of probation, $66,000 in fines, and community service.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump stated, "Think of it: They want to put them in jail for 10 years because they fixed an engine."
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump signed the pardons at the podium and handed them to Czubak and Fleming.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Fleming stated, "We're not criminals. We're not trying to hurt anybody."
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump also mentioned he was "taking care of" a third person, Hanzuk, who received a pardon last month.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Earlier in the year, Trump granted a pardon to Mac Spurlock for similar charges.
WHERE:
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - The rally took place in Wasilla, Alaska.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Czubak and Fleming co-owned an auto shop called Arm Rippin Toys in Anchorage, Alaska.
WHEN:
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Czubak and Fleming pleaded guilty in 2022.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump mentioned that Hanzuk received a pardon last month.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump granted a pardon to Mac Spurlock earlier in the year.
WHY:
[12:13 AM EDT] - NBC News - Trump stated that Czubak and Fleming were "wrongfully charged" during the Biden administration.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump claimed the charges against Czubak and Fleming were an example of how the Biden-era Justice Department "viciously targeted the Alaskan way of life."
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Supporters of Spurlock argued that engine modifications were necessary due to Alaska's frigid weather.
HOW:
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Trump signed the pardons for Czubak and Fleming onstage during the rally, which was part of a pre-midterm election event.
[12:13 AM EDT] - CBS News - Czubak, Fleming, and Hanzuk offered to remove emission control systems in customers' vehicles for a fee of $1,140 to $5,445.
(UPDATED October 14, 2026 14:59 UTC)
During a rally, Trump announced that a major natural gas pipeline has secured federal permits, marking a significant development in energy infrastructure. He also declared that Czubak and Fleming were "wrongfully charged" during the Biden administration, highlighting their cases as part of his message. In a dramatic moment onstage, Trump signed pardons for Czubak and Fleming, emphasizing his commitment to addressing what he sees as injustices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
--
(UPDATED October 14, 2026 05:00 UTC)
At a rally in Wasilla, Alaska, President Trump granted pardons to Zachary Czubak and Patrick Fleming, who had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act. Trump criticized the Justice Department's actions against them, stating, "Think of it: They want to put them in jail for 10 years because they fixed an engine," while Czubak and Fleming maintained they were not criminals and were simply trying to help their customers. The president also mentioned he was "taking care of" a third individual, Michael Hanzuk, who received a pardon last month, and earlier in the year, he pardoned Mac Spurlock for similar charges.