- Donald Trump pardons Ross Ulbricht, ending his double life sentence.
- The pardon fulfills Trump’s promise to Libertarians and crypto enthusiasts.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. The decision ends Ulbricht’s two life sentences plus 40 years, a punishment many consider excessive.
Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social, emphasizing his ties to the Libertarian movement. He stated,
“I just called Ross Ulbricht’s mother to let her know I signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son.”
He criticized federal prosecutors in the case, calling them “scum” linked to his legal challenges.
Thank you for honoring your pledge to Ross, to our members, and to libertarians everywhere, @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/9YtQNrOhW9
— Libertarian Party (@LPNational) January 22, 2025
Ulbricht, 40, was convicted in 2015 for operating Silk Road. The platform allowed users to trade illegal drugs and services using Bitcoin, generating over $200 million in sales. Prosecutors cited Silk Road’s role in at least six drug-related deaths and claimed Bitcoin’s anonymity fueled its operations.
Supporters of Ulbricht, led by his mother, Lyn, have campaigned for his release since his arrest in 2013. The “Free Ross” movement gained traction in the crypto community, which views him as a pioneer of Bitcoin’s early adoption.
Ross Ulbricht’s Release Sparks Debate
During his campaign, Trump promised to free Ulbricht, aiming to win support from Libertarians and crypto enthusiasts. Betting markets had predicted a 99% chance of the pardon within Trump’s first 100 days in office.
Silk Road operated from 2011 to 2013 under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts.” It had over 100,000 users, facilitating narcotics sales and laundering millions through Bitcoin. The FBI arrested Ulbricht in San Francisco in 2013. Brandon Sample, Ulbricht’s attorney, welcomed the decision.
He said, “This gives Ross the chance to rebuild his life and contribute positively to society.”
After spending over a decade behind bars, Ulbricht was seen leaving the U.S. Penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona. The sight of his release has fueled optimism among supporters about his future.
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