Nikola CEO testifies that company’s founder misstated facts
By LARRY NEUMEISTER
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Nikola Corp.’s top executive, testifying at the trial of the truckmaker’s founder, says he repeatedly tried unsuccessfully to rein in the man who was prone to exaggeration and misstating facts. CEO Mark Russell told jurors Monday in Manhattan federal court about his efforts to silence Nikola founder Trevor Milton. Prosecutors say Milton repeatedly lied to investors about the company’s efforts to produce zero-emission trucks fueled by hydrogen gas. Russell says he joined Nikola after leaving a company in 2018 that helped fund Nikola’s start. He says he thought Nikola had the best business idea he’d seen in his career.
