Trump’s Promise to Commute Ross Ulbricht’s Sentence: Impact on 2024 Presidential Bid and Cryptocurrency Community

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to commute Ross Ulbricht’s life sentence if re-elected, sparking debate about justice reform and cryptocurrency policy.

At a Glance

Trump promised to commute Ross Ulbricht’s sentence on his first day in office if elected
Ulbricht, creator of Silk Road, has served 11 years of a life sentence
Trump’s pledge aims to appeal to Libertarians and cryptocurrency supporters
The move raises questions about Trump’s stance on justice reform and digital assets

Trump’s Pledge to Free Ross Ulbricht

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has promised to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the infamous Silk Road website, if he is re-elected in 2024. Trump made this announcement at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., stating, “If you vote for me, on Day 1, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of time served.” Ulbricht has already served 11 years of his life sentence for his role in creating and operating the darknet marketplace primarily used for drug transactions.

🇺🇸The former US President @realDonaldTrump has once again vowed to 'save' Silk Road creator @RealRossU who began his 12th year in prison on Oct 1. #USElections #DonaldTrump #RossUlrbricht https://t.co/M1GJJaE9sy

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 3, 2024

This pledge marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach to cryptocurrency and cybercrime cases, potentially aiming to secure support from Libertarians and digital asset enthusiasts. The promise has ignited discussions about justice system reform, particularly concerning non-violent cybercrime offenders.

Former President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to “save” Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, a promise that reopens old wounds and sparks debates over crypto and justice. https://t.co/1VfXQkV1dk

— Decrypt (@decryptmedia) October 3, 2024

The Silk Road Case and Its Implications

Ross Ulbricht was arrested in 2013 for running Silk Road, a website that facilitated illegal drug and weapon trades using Bitcoin. Operating under the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts,” Ulbricht was apprehended while using public Wi-Fi at a library. His case has become a focal point for debates on government regulation and the impact of online crimes.

Authorities have linked Silk Road to at least six drug-related deaths, and Ulbricht faced accusations of ordering hits through a Hell’s Angels group, though he wasn’t prosecuted for these due to his life sentence. The severity of Ulbricht’s punishment has been a subject of contention, with figures like Elon Musk and Tim Draper suggesting it is excessively harsh.

Trump’s Evolving Stance on Cryptocurrency

Trump’s pledge to free Ulbricht is part of a broader shift in his stance on cryptocurrency. Once a critic, Trump now positions himself as a supporter of the industry, promising to protect the future of cryptocurrency in the U.S. and opposing the creation of a central bank digital currency.

“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, adding that President Joe Biden “wants [the cryptocurrency industry] to die a slow and painful death. That will never happen with me!”

Donald Trump promises to "save" Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht who is serving a double life imprisonment. pic.twitter.com/VymW6ZpNOK

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) October 3, 2024

This change in position includes promises to dismiss the current SEC chairman if elected and to ensure that the future of crypto and Bitcoin is “made in the USA.” Trump has also begun accepting cryptocurrency donations for his campaign, further solidifying his newfound support for digital assets.

Political Implications and Public Response

Trump’s promise to commute Ulbricht’s sentence is seen as an attempt to appeal to Libertarian voters who support drug legalization and have long advocated for Ulbricht’s release. The former president also pledged to include Libertarians in his cabinet and senior administration posts if elected, showcasing his efforts to broaden his base of support.

However, the reception to Trump’s promises has been mixed. Despite these pledges, Trump faced boos and jeers from the audience during his speech at the Libertarian National Convention. This response highlights the complex political landscape Trump navigates as he seeks to balance various interests within his potential voter base.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Trump’s stance on Ulbricht’s case and cryptocurrency will likely remain a topic of debate, reflecting broader discussions on justice reform, digital asset regulation, and the role of government in emerging technologies.