Trump Pledges to Commute Ross Ulbricht’s Sentence if Re-Elected

Donald J. Trump has announced his intention to commute the life sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht if he is re-elected as president. During his speech at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., Trump made a firm commitment to this effect, garnering enthusiastic support from the audience.

“If you vote for me, on Day 1, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of time served,” Trump declared, highlighting that Ulbricht has already spent 11 years in prison. His remarks were met with loud cheers and signs reading “Free Ross” held up by many attendees.

Earlier that day, Trump expressed his positive stance toward the cryptocurrency industry on social media. He emphasized the importance of the United States leading in this emerging field, contrasting his views with those of President Joe Biden. Trump criticized Biden for wanting the cryptocurrency industry to “die a slow and painful death,” promising that such a fate would not occur under his leadership.

In his evening address, Trump reiterated his commitment to the crypto community. He pledged to halt what he described as Biden’s efforts to undermine the industry. “I will ensure that the future of crypto and the future of bitcoin will be made in the USA, not driven overseas. I will support the right to self-custody,” Trump stated, receiving applause from the crowd.

Ross Ulbricht was sentenced in 2015 to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years for his role in creating and operating Silk Road, a darknet marketplace used primarily for illegal drug transactions. Silk Road, which operated from 2011 to 2013, is considered one of the first significant uses of Bitcoin. Ulbricht’s severe sentence has made him a cause célèbre among the crypto community and Libertarians, who view his punishment as excessive and a violation of his rights.

Trump’s announcement marks a notable shift from his previous stance. Before leaving office in January 2021, he granted clemency to 143 individuals but did not extend this to Ulbricht. In addition to Ulbricht, notable figures like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden were also not granted clemency during Trump’s tenure.

Trump also assured his audience that he would protect the cryptocurrency industry from regulatory overreach. “I will keep Elizabeth Warren and her goons away from your bitcoin, and I will never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency,” he promised, reinforcing his support for the crypto sector.

Trump’s pledge to commute Ross Ulbricht’s sentence, along with his pro-crypto remarks, signals a significant stance in his re-election campaign. His commitments have resonated strongly with both the Libertarian and crypto communities, marking a notable moment in the intersection of politics and emerging technologies.