TL;DR
- Commutation Commitment: Donald J. Trump has promised to commute Ross Ulbricht’s life sentence to time served if he wins the presidential election, potentially ending Ulbricht’s 11-year imprisonment.
- Crypto Advocacy: Trump has shown strong support for the cryptocurrency industry, criticizing Biden’s policies and pledging a crypto-friendly administration, while also becoming the first major party candidate to accept crypto campaign donations.
- Ulbricht’s Symbolism: Ross Ulbricht, sentenced for operating the Silk Road marketplace, has become a figurehead for those opposing government overreach and advocating for crypto freedoms.
In a significant announcement at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., former President and pro-crypto candidate, Donald J. Trump has vowed to commute the life sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht to time served, contingent upon his re-election.
“If you vote for me, on Day 1, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht,” Trump declared, signaling a potential end to Ulbricht’s 11-year incarceration.
Embracing Crypto
Earlier that day, Trump expressed his support for the cryptocurrency industry on Truth Social, stating, “Our country must be the leader in the field.” He criticized President Joe Biden’s approach to the industry, promising a more crypto-friendly administration under his leadership.
The Case of Ross Ulbricht
Ulbricht’s sentencing in 2015 to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years, without parole, for founding the Silk Road darknet marketplace, has been a contentious issue. The platform, operational from 2011 to 2013, was notorious for drug sales and marked the first significant use of Bitcoin in commerce.
Ulbricht has since become a symbolic figure for many in the crypto space and Libertarians, who argue that his sentence represents an excessive governmental overreach.
Trump’s Previous Clemency Actions
During his presidency, Trump granted clemency to 143 individuals but did not extend this to Ulbricht, Julian Assange, or Edward Snowden. His recent pledge to free Ulbricht was met with enthusiastic approval from the convention attendees.
A Future for Crypto in the U.S.
Trump’s address included promises to halt what he perceives as Biden’s anti-crypto crusade and to ensure the future of crypto and Bitcoin remains in the U.S. He assured the nation’s crypto holders of his opposition to a central bank digital currency and his support for the right to self-custody.
A Shift Towards Crypto Acceptance
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has evolved, with recent pro-crypto remarks and his groundbreaking move to accept crypto donations for his campaign, positioning him as a crypto-friendly presidential candidate.
Trump’s commitment to commute Ulbricht’s sentence and his supportive stance on cryptocurrency signal a potential shift in policy should he return to office. The crypto community and Libertarians alike await the possibility of this pledge becoming a reality.
