Trump says he pardoned man sentenced to 7 years for 'fixing his own truck'

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN: President Donald Trump made a surprising claim during a speech to farmers in Wisconsin on Friday, June 5, saying he recently pardoned a man who had been sentenced to seven years in prison for fixing his own truck or tractor.

The remark came during an event highlighting the administration's agricultural initiatives, but it quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the day.

As he spoke about regulations affecting farmers, Trump argued that ordinary Americans were sometimes being punished for activities that should not be considered crimes.

Donald Trump says man faced seven years in prison for repairing his own vehicle

While discussing regulations and government oversight, Trump shared a story that appeared to catch even him by surprise.

"The Democrats have a restriction that if you get caught fixing your tractor, they bring you to jail. Did you know that?" Trump told the audience.

He then claimed that he had personally intervened in a case involving a man who was facing prison time.

"I pardoned a man last week who was sentenced to seven years in jail because he got caught fixing his car or truck," Trump said.

The president recalled asking for more details after hearing about the case.

"I said, 'What did he do?' They said, 'He was fixing his truck!'"

Trump said he was stunned by the punishment. "I said, 'How long is he getting?' 'Seven years.' I said, 'Say it again!' It's the first time I've ever heard it."

According to Trump, the situation ultimately led him to grant the man a pardon. "I gave him a pardon because he had to go to jail because he was fixing his tractor or his truck," he said.

The crowd responded enthusiastically as Trump continued speaking about farmers and the challenges they face.

Donald Trump promises support for farmers during Wisconsin appearance

The president did not stop at discussing the pardon.

He also offered a lighthearted promise to farmers in attendance, suggesting that he would come to their aid if they ever found themselves in a similar situation.

"So I promise, if you ever get caught fixing your tractor or truck, I will give you a pardon, OK?" Trump said.

The comment drew laughs from the audience and fit into the informal tone that characterized much of the event.

Throughout the speech, Trump repeatedly praised farmers and rural communities, portraying them as hardworking Americans who often face unnecessary burdens.

He spoke warmly about life on farms and suggested that many people living in rural America enjoy a quality of life that is difficult to find elsewhere.

"You have a way of life that sometimes you're land-rich and cash-poor, sometimes you're — lots of different conditions — but people that are on farms love being on farms," Trump said.

The president then compared their lives to his own.

"You wouldn't trade my life, you wouldn't want my life — believe me, you don't want it. Your life is much better than my life, I will tell you."

Donald Trump jokes about keeping Jordan Stolz's Olympic medal

Another memorable moment came when American speed skater Jordan Stolz presented Trump with an Olympic medal during the event.

The president praised the athlete and joked about the gift after it was placed around his neck.

"I'm keeping it. I'm keeping it, Jordan. I'm not giving it back," Trump said as the crowd laughed.

He continued the joke by adding, "I'm a very good guy for keeping gold. I like gold. I'm never giving this back. Congratulations."

For a short time, it appeared as though Trump intended to hold on to the medal, but he eventually returned it to Stolz.

The president also touched on employment figures during the event and made another off-the-cuff remark that drew attention.

At one point, he claimed that the African American employment rate was the lowest it had ever been before quickly adding, "I don't know where that stat came from."