"I am deeply honored to have just signed pardons for six individuals who were persecuted by the Joe Biden administration and are either imprisoned or facing incarceration for 'vehicle modification' offenses," US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on 3/7.

He asserted that these individuals are victims of an "abusive justice department" under the previous administration, and their cases are part of what he describes as Biden's scheme to "weaponize" state institutions for political ends. "I will free all of them, right now," Trump added.

US President Donald Trump at a White House press conference in April. *Photo: AP*

The US President did not disclose the identities of the pardoned individuals. These six people violated the Clean Air Act by disabling or installing devices to circumvent vehicle emission control systems. This act aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration's Department of Justice instructed federal prosecutors to cease criminal investigations and dismiss pending cases involving "defeat devices," which are tools designed to bypass emission control measures.

In a memo issued on 29/6, Trump directed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to examine measures aimed at reducing legal risks for American citizens who modify their own vehicles.

Since the first day of his second term, Trump has extensively exercised his pardon authority to clear criminal records and terminate prison sentences, issuing over 1,600 clemency decisions to date. This action has prompted a surge in pardon applications from former inmates and defendants.

The majority of pardon decisions during Trump's second term have been granted to more than 1,500 individuals indicted in connection with the Capitol riot on 6/1/2021.

*By Huyen Le (Reuters, CNN)*