President Donald Trump has pardoned the founder of the Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht.
Ulbricht was sentenced back in 2015 to two life sentences without the possibility of parole for his role in creation the Silk Road, a dark web operation where people could buy and sell illicit goods and services.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged that Ulbricht’s sentence has been excessive.
“I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” Trump wrote.
“The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me.”
”He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!”
Ross Ulbricht has been freed by President Trump with a full pardon! Thank you for keeping your word to me and others who have been advocating for Ross’ freedom, Mr. President! #freeRoss pic.twitter.com/wOJVFX1DaA
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 22, 2025
Ulbricht’s sentence had long been a cause célèbre for mainly libertarian activists, who believe that he was excessively punished for crimes in which he had no direct involvement.
Among those who had lobbied for Trump to give Ross a pardon were Senator Rand Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie, both of whom celebrated the decision to free him from prison.
I’m sending @POTUS a letter today asking him to do the right thing and free @RealRossU! pic.twitter.com/yrc3zPx9Nt
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) January 21, 2025
First launched in 2011 by Ulbricht under the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts,” the Silk Road facilitated the sale of illegal goods, primarily drugs, using Bitcoin as its primary currency.
In 2013, the FBI shut it down, arresting Ulbricht, who was convicted of several charges, including money laundering, conspiracy to traffic narcotics, and hacking.
Ross Ulbricht has been pardoned and freed by President Trump.
While he deserved punishment for his role in the Silk Road, two life sentences without parole was patently ridiculous.
It is great to see people being give a second chance in life. pic.twitter.com/7i5H0kyz8q
— Ben Kew (@ben_kew) January 22, 2025
The campaign to free Ulbricht has been popular and longstanding.
Through his family, he would often post on his X account, expressing hope that he one day be released and describing the challenges of day-to-day prison life.
This year for Christmas, we were given some milk and cookies.
It’s not as good as being home with family but it did help make things a little more cheerful in here.
— Ross Ulbricht (@RealRossU) December 28, 2024
The post Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht, Honoring Pledge to Libertarians — Freed from Life Sentence Without Parole appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.