Trump signs full, unconditional pardon of Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht
President Donald Trump made good on his campaign promise by signing a full and unconditional pardon for Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the notorious Silk Road website. This decision, which Trump had pledged to do on day one of his presidency, was met with mixed reactions from the public.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump expressed his support for Ulbricht and the Libertarian Movement, stating that he was pleased to grant the pardon. He criticized the individuals involved in Ulbricht’s conviction, calling them “scum” and denouncing the harsh sentencing of two life sentences plus 40 years as “ridiculous.”
The Silk Road website, founded in 2011 by Ulbricht, facilitated the sale of illegal drugs using cryptocurrency for payments. Despite not directly selling any illicit substances himself, Ulbricht was convicted for his role in operating the platform.
Trump’s decision to pardon Ulbricht came after a speech he delivered at the Libertarian National Convention, where he faced a hostile crowd but received cheers when he promised to commute Ulbricht’s sentence if elected. Supporters of Ulbricht, including many Libertarians, held signs calling for his release and chanted “Free Ross” during the event.
Following Trump’s announcement, Ulbricht expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking the former president and his supporters for their unwavering advocacy. He acknowledged the impact of their efforts in potentially securing his freedom after more than a decade in prison.
While Trump initially failed to deliver on his promise to grant clemency to Ulbricht on day one of his presidency, he followed through on day two, commuting the life sentence imposed on the Silk Road founder. Ulbricht, now 40 years old, operated the website until his arrest in 2013 and was sentenced to life in prison two years later.
The decision to pardon Ulbricht has sparked debate and raised questions about the role of government in cases involving online marketplaces and cryptocurrency transactions. Trump’s actions have drawn both support and criticism, underscoring the complexities of addressing criminal activities in the digital age.
In conclusion, Trump’s pardon of Ross Ulbricht has brought attention to the issues surrounding online marketplaces and the use of cryptocurrency for illegal transactions. The decision reflects the intersection of technology, law enforcement, and individual rights, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions and debates on these complex and evolving issues.
