On Tuesday, President Donald Trump officially signed a "full and unconditional" pardon for Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the notorious Silk Road marketplace. In 2015, Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole due to his involvement with this dark web marketplace.
A Campaign Promise Fulfilled
By granting this pardon, President Trump has fulfilled another campaign commitment. Ulbricht was serving two life sentences along with an additional 40 years for his activities related to Silk Road. Trump personally called Ulbricht's mother to share the news of the pardon, stating, "I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that, in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement that supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed the full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross." He further remarked that the length of Ulbricht's sentence was "ridiculous."
The case garnered significant attention within the cryptocurrency community, with many advocating for clemency for Ulbricht. Following Trump’s announcement, the Free Ross campaign expressed their gratitude, stating, “Words cannot express how grateful we are. President Trump is a man of his word, and he just saved Ross’s life. ROSS IS A FREE MAN!!!!!”
The Timeline of Ross Ulbricht’s Case
Ulbricht, who celebrated his 40th birthday in March 2024, faced convictions on seven counts linked to the operation of Silk Road. This dark web marketplace was known for facilitating the sale of illegal drugs and various illicit products, utilizing Bitcoin as its primary currency. Prosecutors from the U.S. reported that Silk Road enabled over 1.5 million transactions, totaling around $213 million.
Ulbricht's arrest occurred in 2013, following his admission of having founded Silk Road. His subsequent sentencing in 2015 condemned him to spend the rest of his life behind bars without the prospect of release.
A Renewed Hope for Freedom
Trump first expressed his support for Ulbricht at the Libertarian National Convention in May 2024, pledging that he would commute Ulbricht's sentence on his very first day back in office, if re-elected. After Trump won the election in November, Ulbricht conveyed his gratitude to those who cast their votes for him.
“I trust him to keep his promise and give me a second chance. After more than 11 years in the shadows, I can finally see the light of freedom at the end of the tunnel,” Ulbricht communicated via his social media account.
In addition to his support for Ulbricht, President Trump has promised several initiatives related to cryptocurrency, including the establishment of a Bitcoin strategic reserve, the creation of a Crypto Presidential Advisory Council, the repeal of SAB 121, and the transformation of the U.S. into a “Bitcoin mining powerhouse.”
