President Trump Pardons Record-Breaking Trail Runner
President Trump made a controversial decision on Monday by pardoning Michelino Sunseri, a trail runner who broke a record running up and down the tallest peak in the Teton Range of Wyoming. Sunseri, 33, completed the 13,775-foot-tall Grand Teton peak in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds on September 2, 2024.
However, Sunseri’s achievement was marred by controversy as he used a prohibited shortcut on his way down to avoid other hikers, resulting in a misdemeanor conviction in September. Despite this conviction, Trump’s unexpected pardon brought an end to Sunseri’s legal troubles.
In a social media post, Sunseri expressed his gratitude for the presidential pardon and criticized the legal system for making an example out of him. He believed the case was a waste of government resources and taxpayer money.
Prior to the pardon, Sunseri had agreed to complete community service and a wilderness stewardship course to have his case dismissed. His legal team, including attorneys from Pacific Legal Foundation, expressed relief that Sunseri’s ordeal was over but vowed to continue fighting against unconstitutional park regulations that criminalize minor infractions.
The pardon drew attention for its non-political nature, contrasting sharply with Trump’s recent pardons of individuals linked to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The White House has not commented on the decision.
With Post wires.
