Donald Trump pardons Navy veteran Patrick Tate Adamiak

President Donald Trump has issued a full and unconditional pardon to Patrick ‘Tate’ Adamiak, a former Navy sailor, ending a federal prison sentence stemming from a dispute over firearm classifications.

Adamiak was convicted in 2022 on charges related to the possession and transfer of unregistered machine guns and destructive devices under the National Firearms Act. Supporters and legal advocates, including the Second Amendment Foundation, argued the conviction was unjust, claiming the items in question were inert military collectibles or toy firearms. Specifically, it was alleged that ATF agents modified inert RPG receivers to allow them to fire subcaliber rounds, leading to their classification as destructive devices.

The pardon, signed on September 4, 2026, applies to the specific federal offenses in the case of United States v. Adamiak. While the executive clemency removes federal penalties and disabilities, it does not vacate the court rulings or reverse the underlying statutes. Adamiak was one of four individuals receiving pardons in National Firearms Act cases during this action.