Trump pardons Ross Ulbricht, creator of Silk Road

• Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht, Creator of Silk Road.
• Ulbricht Was Serving a Life Sentence.
• Here Are the Details.

President Donald Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon on Tuesday to Ross Ulbricht, who in 2015 was sentenced to life imprisonment for operating the illegal website Silk Road.

A marketplace on the ‘dark web’ known for facilitating the sale of narcotics and other illicit goods.

The pardon for Ulbricht, arrested in 2013, was one of Trump’s promises during his electoral campaign.

He aimed to garner support from the Libertarian Party and cryptocurrency advocates.

Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht, Creator of Silk Road

JUST IN: President Trump issues unconditional pardon for the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, calling the people who convicted him «scum.»

Ulbricht was the founder of the dark website Silk Road.

He was convicted in 2015 for drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit money… pic.twitter.com/QhCIK3xzN3

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 22, 2025

On his Truth Social platform, Trump justified the decision in a message addressed to Ulbricht’s mother:

«It was a pleasure for me to sign a full and unconditional pardon for your son, in honor of you and the Libertarian Movement that strongly supported me,» wrote the president.

Additionally, Trump lashed out against the prosecutors who brought Ulbricht to trial.

He described them as «lunatics involved in using the Government as a weapon against me.»

Silk Road: The Route of Controversy

JUST IN: President Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht — ROSS IS FREE pic.twitter.com/ea3QnVrI3E

— Swan (@Swan) January 21, 2025

Silk Road, created and managed by Ulbricht under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts,” operated on the dark web for nearly three years.

According to prosecutors, the site facilitated anonymous transactions involving heroin, cocaine, and other narcotics, generating over $200 million in revenue through the pioneering use of Bitcoin as a payment method.

For many, Silk Road became a symbol of digital libertarianism. However, the operation ended in 2013 with Ulbricht’s arrest and subsequent sentencing to two life terms without parole, as reported by EFE.

Ulbricht’s pardon was not the only controversial decision. Trump also announced the release of leaders from ultranationalist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who were involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Among those pardoned were Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio, who had received sentences of up to 22 years for their roles in the insurrection.

A Divisive Decision

JUST IN: Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht seen out of prison following pardon from President Trump. pic.twitter.com/90zsIL4Ve2

— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) January 22, 2025

More than 730 people have been convicted for the insurrection attempt, which left four dead and over 140 officers injured. Trump justified these pardons as a gesture of support to his followers, whom he considers victims of political persecution.

The presidential pardon for Ulbricht and those involved in the Capitol assault has sparked strong reactions.

Advocates of the libertarian movement and cryptocurrencies celebrated the gesture towards Ulbricht, seeing it as a symbol of the fight against an «unjust» judicial system.

On the other hand, critics of the president, including activists and members of Congress, have pointed out that these actions reinforce impunity for serious crimes, from drug trafficking to attempts to undermine democracy.

Less than a week into his new term, Trump has made it clear that pardons will continue to be a key political tool to consolidate his support base.

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