President Trump pardons climber convicted for running on Grand Teton trail
November 10, 2025
Arlington, Virginia; November 10, 2025: On Friday, President Trump pardoned Michelino Sunseri, the record-setting mountain runner prosecuted by the National Park Service for using a social trail in Grand Teton National Park.
“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,” said Michael Poon. “We are ready to help other Americans who face criminal prosecution for breaking park rules that were illegally created.”
On September 2, 2024, Michelino set a new Grand Teton speed record, ascending and descending the mountain in 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 10 seconds—almost three minutes faster than the previous record. This accomplishment drew admiration across the climbing and trail-running world. But just days later, federal prosecutors charged him with a crime for running on a “restricted” social trail—one that other record-holders had used without consequence.
Michelino fought back with help from Pacific Legal Foundation and Wyoming attorneys Alex Rienzie and Ed Bushnell.
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About Pacific Legal Foundation
Pacific Legal Foundation is a national nonprofit law firm that defends Americans threatened by government overreach and abuse. Since our founding in 1973, we challenge the government when it violates individual liberty and constitutional rights. With active cases in 34 states plus Washington, D.C., PLF represents clients in state and federal courts, with 18 wins of 20 cases litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court.