During a political rally in Wasilla, Alaska, on October 13, 2026, President Trump granted pardons to Zachary Czubak and Patrick Fleming, auto shop owners who pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act. Trump characterized the charges against them as a misguided action by the Biden-era Justice Department that targeted the Alaskan way of life. Czubak, Fleming, and a third co-owner, Michael Hanzuk, owned Arm Rippin Toys, an auto shop specializing in diesel vehicles. They were accused of removing emission control systems from vehicles for a fee, which resulted in increased pollution. Each man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act in 2022, receiving five years of probation, fines totaling $66,000, and community service.
At the rally, Trump called the two men onto the stage, signed the pardons, and presented them to Czubak and Fleming, who received applause from the audience. Trump criticized the severity of the charges, suggesting that they were disproportionate compared to other crimes. Czubak and Fleming expressed their desire to help Alaskans and denied any criminal intent. Earlier in the year, Trump had also pardoned Mac Spurlock, another diesel mechanic charged with similar violations, who had support from Alaska GOP Senator Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department announced in January that it would cease pursuing criminal charges under the Clean Air Act for tampering with diagnostic devices. The Biden administration had previously warned that such actions significantly increased air pollution. Trump has often used his pardon power to assist those he believes were wrongly prosecuted.