On the left, GM's CEO and chairman, Mary Barra. On the right, Nikola's founder and former CEO Trevor Milton. AP Photo/Paul Sancya; REUTERS/Massimo Pinca Automotive giant General Motors and electric vehicle startup Nikola announced a $2 billion deal in early September. In the weeks since, Nikola and its founder, Trevor Milton, have been embroiled in controversy. Since then, Milton has stepped down as the executive Chairman of Nikola's board, and has faced additional accusations including lying and sexual assault.