Company Directory - Nikola Corporation
Company Details - Nikola Corporation
Nikola Corporation
WebsiteNikola Corporation is an electric vehicle manufacturer known for its hydrogen-powered trucks and innovative vehicle technologies. The company gained significant attention following a fraud case involving its founder, Trevor Milton.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Nikola Corporation
-32.77
Latest Event
Nikola Founder Pardoned After Fraud Conviction
The article reports that Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corporation, was pardoned by Donald Trump following a four‑year prison sentence for fraud. It also highlights that Milton donated over $1.8 million to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, a move that underscores controversial political ties and alignment with authoritarian influences.
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TOADIE
Nikola Corporation is currently rated as a Toadie.
Latest Events
- APR012025
The article reports that Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corporation, was pardoned by Donald Trump following a four‑year prison sentence for fraud. It also highlights that Milton donated over $1.8 million to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, a move that underscores controversial political ties and alignment with authoritarian influences.
- MAR282025
Trevor Milton, founder and former CEO of Nikola Corporation, revealed that he was pardoned by President Trump for a criminal conviction related to securities fraud. The pardon, part of Trump’s broader controversial clemency actions, underscores the politicization of justice and raises concerns about corporate accountability.
- MAR282025
On March 28, 2025, former Nikola founder Trevor Milton received a full and unconditional pardon from President Trump, nullifying $680 million in debts owed to Nikola shareholders. This political intervention raises concerns about the erosion of legal accountability and the influence of authoritarian favoritism, thereby impacting the company's reputation and governance.
- MAR282025
President Donald Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon to Nikola founder Trevor Milton for his fraud conviction, following significant political donations made by Milton to Trump-linked committees. The pardon, announced on March 28, 2025, underscores the entanglement between corporate misconduct and political favoritism towards authoritarian figures.
-85
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
Nikola founder Trevor Milton, after being convicted of securities fraud for misleading investors, made substantial political donations to Trump-affiliated committees. This financial engagement with authoritarian-aligned political figures is problematic and reflects an abuse of corporate credibility to gain political cover.
-75
Executive Political Engagement
March 28
The pardon by President Trump, combined with Milton’s public claims that the pardon has liberated him from prosecutorial consequences, illustrates a politically charged engagement that undermines accountability. This instance reinforces the influence of authoritarian political figures in protecting corporate leaders despite clear legal and ethical breaches.
- MAR272025
Former Nikola Corp. founder Trevor Milton, who was convicted of fraud for misrepresenting the company's production capabilities, received a full and unconditional pardon from former President Donald Trump. This decision, which sparked immediate criticism from short seller Jim Chanos, highlights troubling intersections between corporate misconduct and political favoritism.
- FEB262025
On February 26, 2025, Nikola Corporation filed for bankruptcy in federal court amidst a dramatic decline in its share price following longstanding fraud allegations against its founder, Trevor Milton. The filing comes in the wake of accusations of unethical business practices and mismanagement by current leadership, raising concerns over the company's commitment to ethical corporate governance and structural stability.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
Nikola Corporation's history of misleading investors and involvement in fraudulent activities—highlighted by the founder's conviction—culminated in an unethical management environment. The bankruptcy filing underscores a failure to uphold ethical business practices, which not only harmed retail investors but also contributed to broader concerns about corporate accountability.
-30
Economic and Structural Influence
March 28
The bankruptcy filing reflects significant structural and economic instability within Nikola, which not only jeopardizes the financial security of workers and creditors but also indicates irresponsible economic management. This instability can have broader negative implications for community and worker welfare.
- JAN062025
Nikola Corporation has launched its first HYLA hydrogen refueling station in West Sacramento, California. The move marks a significant step in the company's efforts to transform commercial transportation with zero-emissions, sustainable infrastructure and demonstrates its collaboration with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations.
+30
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
Nikola’s collaboration with government bodies and environmental organizations for policy advocacy around zero-emissions transportation is a positive example of responsible public and political behavior.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The launch of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure exhibits strong ethical business practices. This initiative supports environmental justice and promotes a transition to cleaner energy, aligning with progressive values.
+40
Technology and Services Impact
March 28
Establishing a state-of-the-art hydrogen refueling station underscores Nikola’s commitment to technological innovation that advances zero-emissions commercial transportation.
+20
Economic and Structural Influence
March 28
The investment in hydrogen infrastructure not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to economic development and a resilient energy ecosystem, thereby enhancing structural influence in the transportation sector.
- NOV012024
Nikola Corporation's hydrogen fuel cell trucks, manufactured for DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America, are being integrated into their US fleet to reduce carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency in logistics. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable transportation and conveys a commitment to environmental responsibility.
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
November 2
By supplying innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology, Nikola demonstrates ethical business practices and a commitment to sustainability. The technology not only reduces carbon emissions but also benefits communities impacted by pollution, aligning with progressive environmental and social values.
+50
Technology and Services Impact
November 2
Nikola's deployment of cutting‐edge hydrogen fuel cell technology provides a transformative impact on the logistics sector by significantly reducing harmful emissions. This innovative approach not only enhances technological progress but also contributes to broader societal benefits and environmental justice.
- OCT232024
Nikola Corporation, in partnership with DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America, announced the deployment of two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in Illinois to enhance sustainable logistics and reduce carbon emissions.
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The deployment highlights Nikola's commitment to sustainable business practices by replacing diesel trucks with hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. This action supports environmental justice by reducing harmful emissions, benefiting public health and aligning with progressive sustainability goals.
+50
Technology and Services Impact
March 28
Utilization of hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty trucks marks a significant technological innovation towards reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving operational safety. This initiative contributes to cleaner energy solutions and reinforces a commitment to progressive and sustainable practices.
- DEC312023
Nikola Corp spent $150,000 on lobbying activities during 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. This expenditure reflects the company’s efforts to influence federal policy and potentially shield its corporate interests.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
Nikola Corp’s reported $150,000 expenditure on lobbying in 2023 is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective because corporate lobbying can be used to influence regulatory and political decisions in favor of business interests over progressive policies and marginalized communities. Such efforts may undermine democratic accountability and transparency.
- JAN012023
Nikola Corporation spent $460,000 on lobbying in 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. This activity indicates the company's efforts to influence public policy and regulatory outcomes, raising concerns over potential corporate influence on democratic processes.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The report that Nikola Corporation spent $460,000 on lobbying in 2023 reflects active corporate political spending. This kind of influence can be used to shape legislation and regulatory environments in ways that benefit corporate interests over public accountability. From an anti-fascist perspective, such efforts to sway policy through significant lobbying expenditures are viewed negatively as they may compromise democratic integrity.
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Industries
- 334511
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- 336120
- Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing
- 336111
- Automobile Manufacturing