President Donald Trump has granted clemency to two high-profile figures in the business world: Carlos Watson, founder of Ozy Media, and Trevor Milton, founder of electric-truck company Nikola. The move comes as part of a wave of controversial pardons and commutations that highlight Trump's willingness to intervene in financial crime cases.

Watson had been convicted of defrauding investors by misrepresenting Ozy Media's financial health and was due to begin a nearly decade-long prison sentence. Just before he was set to surrender, Trump commuted his sentence, sparking debate about accountability in media and tech industries. Watson’s case had drawn national attention for its implications on startup culture and investor transparency.

In a separate but related action, Trump also issued a full pardon to Trevor Milton. The Nikola founder had been sentenced to more than two years in prison for making false claims to investors about the capabilities and progress of his electric truck company. Milton’s conviction had been a milestone in holding startup executives accountable for deceptive practices in the high-growth, high-risk tech sector.

Trump’s decisions are being closely scrutinized by both legal experts and financial watchdogs. While supporters argue that the pardons reflect Trump's focus on correcting what he sees as excessive punishment, critics warn that such actions could undermine the justice system’s deterrence of white-collar crime.

These latest clemency orders follow a series of similar pardons issued by Trump during his current term, many involving business leaders and political allies. His approach has drawn praise from those who view the justice system as overly harsh on innovators but concern from those who fear it weakens financial regulations and public trust.

With these actions, Trump continues to exercise presidential pardon powers in bold and highly visible ways, shaping the national discourse around justice, business, and accountability.