Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, is attempting to acquire the assets of his bankrupt company after being pardoned for securities fraud. Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and plans to sell its business soon. Milton's bid faced resistance, including a prohibition on inspecting the Coolidge factory where the assets are located. A judge has dismissed the notion that Milton's interest is anything more than a publicity stunt. Meanwhile, the court will hold an auction to assess the highest bid for Nikola's assets, with a deadline for submissions already passed.