On May 25 of the previous year, Donald Trump pledged to commute the sentence of early Bitcoin innovator and Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht to time served if he were to be elected president. As we are all aware, Trump won the election and will assume office one week from today.
This presents a significant question for Bitcoin enthusiasts: Will Trump genuinely grant a pardon to Ross?
I firmly believe Trump will absolutely uphold his word and liberate Ross from incarceration. I have not encountered anything that indicates Trump might act otherwise and have only witnessed factors that reinforce my confidence he will fulfill this commitment. It should be relatively straightforward for Trump to act on this, and considering his ongoing support for the Bitcoin sector, I am optimistic Ross will soon be walking as a free individual again.
Based on Ross’s X profile, which is presently managed by his spouse, he is preparing for his imminent release from prison.
“For my final monthly resolution of 2024, I plan to study daily and to improve my knowledge as much as possible in preparation for freedom,” she recently shared on behalf of Ross.
For those who may be unaware of the situation, Ross has been incarcerated since 2013 for establishing a website, Silk Road, where users were able to buy and sell products using bitcoin. He was a non-violent, first-time offender sentenced to double life plus 40 years without eligibility for parole. During Ross’s trial, he was not charged with causing any harm or bodily injury, and no victim was identified. While he was not prosecuted for selling drugs or illegal items directly, he was held accountable for the listings made by others on Silk Road, which included drugs.
Now, after 12 years, the time has arrived for Ross to be released.
In 2022, Ross sent President Biden a letter requesting a pardon, wherein he clarified that he did not develop the website with malicious intent and was merely advocating the libertarian principles he believed in. He also conveyed that if released, he would refrain from doing anything to “break the law” again.
President Biden dismissed the letter, leaving him incarcerated. Now, President Trump has an opportunity to allow him to live the remainder of his life as a free individual.
Ross himself is also hopeful that Trump will fulfill his promise.
Deeply grateful to everyone who voted for President Trump in my favor. I believe he will honor his commitment and provide me with a second chance.
After over 11 years in the shadows, I can finally see the light of freedom at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much, @realDonaldTrump 🙏
— Ross Ulbricht (@RealRossU) November 12, 2024
I eagerly anticipate Ross’s return home.
This article is a Take. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.