🚨Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht!

From Prison to Freedom!

Jan 22, 2025

Will Donald Trump Pardon Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht?

On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. Ulbricht, who had served more than 11 years of a life sentence, received the pardon fulfilling a campaign promise Trump made to his supporters.

Ulbricht’s Conviction

Ross Ulbricht was convicted in 2015 for creating Silk Road, a marketplace that facilitated the sale of illegal drugs and other items using Bitcoin. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole for non-violent crimes.

Trump’s Justification for the Pardon

Trump criticized Ulbricht’s life sentence, calling it “ridiculous” and stating that he had “done enough time for non-violent crimes.” The president also claimed that those involved in Ulbricht’s case were the same individuals who had allegedly conspired against him during his presidency. Trump communicated his decision personally to Ulbricht’s mother.

Reactions to the Pardon

The pardon sparked mixed reactions. Libertarians and criminal justice reform advocates supported the decision, calling Ulbricht a “political prisoner.” Senator Rand Paul argued that Ulbricht’s sentence was harsher than those given to actual drug dealers.

Ulbricht’s Time in Prison

Ulbricht spent over 11 years in prison without violating any rules. He spent his time teaching math and science, and practicing yoga. His defense highlighted inconsistencies in the case, including the dropping of murder-for-hire charges.

Support from Libertarians and Reform Advocates

The Libertarian Party and criminal justice reform groups have long advocated for Ulbricht’s release, citing his harsh sentence for non-violent crimes. His pardon is seen as a victory for both causes.

Trump’s Broader Pardon Strategy

Ulbricht’s pardon is part of Trump’s broader use of executive orders to grant clemency, including commutations for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack.

Ulbricht's case continues to spark discussions about the balance between criminal justice, freedom, and technology. While his supporters are celebrating the pardon, concerns about the impact of Silk Road on the dark web remain. This pardon is an important moment in the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform in the U.S.

Currently Bitcoin Price trading at $104,568.18 as per Coinpedia Market data.