‘FINALLY OVER’: Trump Pardons Runner Convicted for Jaunt on ‘Restricted’ Trail During Record-Breaking Run

(Bradly J. Boner/Jackson Hole News Guide via AP)

President Donald Trump has pardoned Michelino Sunseri, a man convicted of taking a prohibited trail while running the Grand Teton, one of the tallest peaks in western Wyoming.

“IT’S FINALLY OVER⁣. Well… the trail trial of the century is officially over,” Sunseri wrote on Facebook Monday. “In an unbelievable twist that even Hollywood couldn’t write, I woke up this morning to find out I’ve been given a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON from Donald J. Trump — over the Grand Teton FKT and my use of the Old Climber’s Trail.⁣”

In September 2024, Sunseri used the “restricted” trail while making his way down the Grand Teton. He broke a record during his run, going up and down the 13,775-foot mountain in two hours and 50 minutes. Days later, however, he was charged for violating National Park Service regulations.

The Pacific Legal Foundation, which helped in Sunseri’s defense, released a statement declaring Sunseri’s “nightmare” is over thanks to Trump’s pardon.

“We are thrilled that Michelino’s nightmare is over, but we’re not done fighting against unconstitutional regulations that give low-level park officials the power to criminalize harmless conduct,” Michael Poon, an attorney with PLF, said. “We are ready to help other Americans who face criminal prosecution for breaking park rules that were illegally created.”

Sunseri was convicted in September for taking the prohibited trail. He argued that officials tried to make an “example” out of him. The runner and PLF both argued that plenty of others had used the restricted trail in the past.

“This case was a massive waste of taxpayer money and government energy from the start,” he said. “Unfortunately, instead of working with me, the system tried to make an example of me.⁣ I know this pardon might get swept up in politics in this heated time, and that’s unfortunate — because this particular case is about fairness and common sense.⁣”