Presidential pardon of Patrick Tate Adamiak

President Donald Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon to Patrick ‘Tate’ Adamiak, a former U.S. Navy sailor, on September 4, 2026. Adamiak had been serving a 20-year federal prison sentence following a 2022 conviction involving the possession and transfer of unregistered machine guns and destructive devices under the National Firearms Act.

The case centered on a dispute over firearm classifications. Advocacy groups, such as the Second Amendment Foundation, argued the conviction was unjust, claiming the items involved were actually inert military collectibles or toy firearms. Specifically, allegations were made that ATF agents modified inert RPG receivers to allow them to fire subcaliber rounds, resulting in their classification as destructive devices.

While the pardon removes federal penalties and disabilities, it does not vacate the original court rulings or reverse the underlying statutes. Adamiak was one of four individuals receiving pardons in National Firearms Act cases during this action. Following the pardon, Adamiak expressed intentions to pursue legal action to clear his name.