Podcast Summary: The Tucker Carlson Show Episode: How Wall Street & the FBI Colluded to Destroy Trevor Milton After His Tech Threatened Big Oil
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Tucker Carlson
Guest: Trevor Milton

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, host Tucker Carlson interviews Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola Corporation. Milton shares his harrowing experience of how he alleges Wall Street short sellers and the FBI conspired to dismantle his company and prosecute him, despite his claims of innocence.

Background of Nikola Corporation

[00:00] Tucker Carlson opens the discussion by highlighting Trevor Milton's unique story of wrongful prosecution.
[01:05] Trevor Milton describes Nikola as a company he built from his basement in Salt Lake City, initially focusing on natural gas trucks before pivoting to hydrogen-powered, zero-emission semi-trucks.

• Notable Quote:
  Milton: "Nikola was a company I built out of my basement. So true entrepreneur story."
  [01:05]

Technological Innovations and Vision

Milton delves into the technological advancements Nikola was pioneering, emphasizing the efficiency and environmental benefits of hydrogen powertrains over traditional electric systems.

• Energy Efficiency:
  Milton: "Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the atmosphere. It's the only energy that can never be depleted."
  [04:29]

The Short Selling Attack

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Milton's claims that short sellers, particularly Nate Anderson of Hindenburg Research, orchestrated a campaign to defame Nikola and him personally.

• Short Selling Explained:
  Carlson: "What's a short seller?"
  Milton: "A short seller is a person or a fund that actively bets against you that your stock is going to collapse."
  [21:57]

• Allegations of Collusion:
  Milton: "Nate Anderson was communicating directly with the Department of Justice prior to releasing the report, which means what he was doing was he was telling the Department of Justice that there was this fraud that he was going to launch."
  [27:38]

Impact of the Campaign

Milton explains how the false narratives propagated by short sellers and supported by media outlets like Bloomberg and CNBC led to a massive decline in Nikola's stock value, ultimately resulting in the company's downfall and his personal indictment.

• Company Destruction:
  Milton: "The Department of Justice destroyed $34 billion by indicting me based on these lies."
  [37:32]

Legal Battles and Systemic Issues

The discussion highlights systemic flaws in the U.S. justice system, where Milton argues that private interests can manipulate legal outcomes for personal gain.

• Legal Fees and Consequences:
  Milton: "My legal fees were over $80 million personally, and the company lost over $100 million to law firms."
  [47:07]

• Venue Manipulation:
  Milton: "They tried to prosecute me in New York, despite my lack of connections to the state, to ensure a biased jury and a high conviction rate."
  [79:55]

Presidential Pardon

In a dramatic turn, Milton recounts how former President Donald Trump personally intervened, issuing him a full and unconditional pardon, effectively exonerating him from all charges.

• Presidential Intervention:
  Milton: "President Trump reached out and issued me a full and unconditional pardon because he saw the injustice done to me."
  [99:00]

Conclusion and Call for Justice Reform

Trevor Milton concludes by urging for comprehensive reforms in the criminal justice system to prevent such abuses of power and restore faith in legal institutions.

• Reform Suggestions:
  Milton: "Every call, every personal visit from the Department of Justice should be recorded. Defendants should be able to choose the venue of their trial."
  [78:09]

• Final Thoughts:
  Milton: "Our country is screwed. The system is corrupted to the point where it's designed to destroy good people for the profit of a few."
  [49:30]

Key Takeaways

• Systemic Corruption: The episode sheds light on alleged collusion between short sellers, media outlets, and the FBI to target and destroy a legitimate business and its founder.
• Impact on Individuals and Shareholders: The orchestrated campaign not only ruined Milton's life but also led to significant financial losses for shareholders and employees.
• Need for Reform: Milton emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to prevent such manipulative practices and ensure justice serves the public rather than private interests.

Notable Quotes:

• Trevor Milton: "Nikola was a company I built out of my basement. So true entrepreneur story."
  [01:05]

• Milton: "Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the atmosphere. It's the only energy that can never be depleted."
  [04:29]

• Milton: "Nate Anderson was communicating directly with the Department of Justice prior to releasing the report, which means what he was doing was he was telling the Department of Justice that there was this fraud that he was going to launch."
  [27:38]

• Milton: "The Department of Justice destroyed $34 billion by indicting me based on these lies."
  [37:32]

• Milton: "President Trump reached out and issued me a full and unconditional pardon because he saw the injustice done to me."
  [99:00]

This episode of The Tucker Carlson Show provides a detailed and personal account of Trevor Milton's allegations against Wall Street short sellers and the FBI, highlighting significant concerns about systemic corruption and the manipulation of justice for financial gain.