In a bold move that has electrified the crypto and libertarian communities, former President Donald J. Trump announced that he would commute the life sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht if he is re-elected.
Speaking at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., Trump made a clear and unequivocal promise:
“If you vote for me, on Day 1, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of time served. He’s already served 11 years, we’re gonna get him home.”
Ulbricht, who created and operated the infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road, was sentenced in 2015 to two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years without the possibility of parole. The marketplace, operational from 2011 to 2013, was a pioneering use case for Bitcoin, facilitating anonymous transactions for a variety of goods, predominantly drugs.
Trump’s announcement was met with enthusiastic approval from the Libertarian convention attendees, many of whom waved signs reading “Free Ross.”
The Silk Road founder has become a symbol of government overreach for many in the crypto and libertarian spheres, who argue that his severe punishment was a violation of his constitutional rights. In 2018, the Libertarian Party had called on then-President Trump to pardon Ulbricht.
As reported earlier, usually regarded as ‘Dread Pirate Roberts’ on Silk Road has been in the United States Penitentiary in Tucson for over eleven years now and is living a peaceful life in prison.
Hours before his speech, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his support for the cryptocurrency industry. “I am very positive and open-minded to cryptocurrency companies, and all things related to this new and burgeoning industry.
Our country must be the leader in the field. There is no second place,” Trump wrote, criticizing current President Joe Biden’s stance on crypto. He added, “[Biden] wants [the cryptocurrency industry] to die a slow and painful death. That will never happen with me!”
During his evening address, Trump expanded on his pro-crypto stance, vowing to thwart Biden’s perceived efforts to suppress 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,” he proclaimed, eliciting cheers from the audience. He also promised to protect crypto assets from regulatory pressures, particularly targeting Senator Elizabeth Warren and others he described as threats to the industry.
“To the nation’s fifty million crypto holders, I say this: 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.”
Trump’s remarks highlight a significant shift in his approach to cryptocurrency. During his presidency, he pardoned 73 individuals and commuted the sentences of 70 others, including notable figures such as Ripple board member Ken Kurson. However, he did not extend clemency to Ulbricht, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, or whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The former president’s recent comments reflect a growing acceptance and endorsement of the crypto industry. Trump has publicly made several pro-crypto statements and has become the first major party presidential candidate to accept cryptocurrency donations.
Qubetics ($TICS), Chainlink, and SEI: The Best Cryptos to Buy Before..
Best Meme Coins for Significant Returns: BTFD Coin Raises $2.8M, Notcoin..
Qubetics Leads December 2024 Presales with Over $5.4M Raised: Why It’s..
Stay ahead in crypto with AltcoinDaily.co! Get the latest news, expert analysis, and blockchain insights. Your trusted source for all things cryptocurrency. 🚀💰
Join Now