Doug Burgum Commends Trump on Deregulation Efforts
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum expressed gratitude to President Trump for his efforts in rolling back “job-killing, community-killing” regulations particularly impacting the fishing industry. He highlighted how these actions have been beneficial for Americans and businesses operating in territorial waters, from the Pacific and beyond, ensuring a sustainable supply of healthy food and fostering long-standing family-owned enterprises.
Meanwhile, President Trump also granted pardons to nine individuals who had been convicted of violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with emissions control systems in diesel vehicles. This announcement, made on Truth Social, noted that some of these pardoned individuals claimed they were “persecuted by the Biden administration” for merely “fixing cars.” A review of federal court documents revealed that eight of the pardoned were diesel mechanics and auto tuners accused of selling and installing so-called “defeat devices.” These devices reprogram trucks to bypass federal emissions regulations, leading to potential issues where unrepaired vehicles could enter a “limp” mode, drastically reducing speed until the emissions system was addressed.
It’s noteworthy that the malfunctioning of emission control technologies, particularly diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems, has been a persistent problem in extremely cold climates. Many truck drivers and farmers have expressed frustration over these system failures, which can be a significant source of maintenance costs. Curious to note, one of the pardoned individuals, Matthew George, reportedly led companies that made substantial profits—over $10 million—from selling these illegal tuning devices.
Notably, another pardon recipient, Mackenzie “Mac” Spurlock, a mechanic from Alaska, faced scrutiny after a dramatic raid involving armed EPA agents on his workshop. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, praised Spurlock for his contributions in modifying vehicle emissions regulations to better suit Alaska’s severe weather conditions. He pointed out how Spurlock’s modifications helped prevent vehicles from stalling due to the harsh sub-freezing temperatures.
Other individuals pardoned for similar infractions included Ryan and Wade LaRone, Tim Clancy, Joshua Davis, Barry Pierce, Aaron Rudolph, and Jonathan Achtemeyer. Additionally, in late January 2026, the Trump administration made it clear that it would no longer pursue criminal charges against those involved in the production, distribution, and usage of defeat devices, although civil penalties might still apply.
