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On May 25 of last year, Donald Trump vowed that if elected president, he would commute the sentence of early Bitcoin pioneer and Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht to full term. . As you all know, Mr. Trump won the election and will be inaugurated as president one week from today.
This left a big question in Bitcoiners’ minds: Will Trump actually pardon Ross?
I believe Trump will be 100% true to his word and release Ross from prison. I haven’t seen anything to suggest that President Trump would do anything different, only that I can be confident that he will follow through on this promise. It should be relatively easy for Mr. Trump, and given his continued support of the Bitcoin industry, I have no doubt that Mr. Ross will walk out as a free man again soon.
Judging by Ross’ X account, which is now run by his wife, he appears to be preparing to leave prison soon.
“As my final monthly resolution for 2024, I will study every day and prepare for freedom as quickly as possible,” she recently posted on behalf of Ross.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Ross has been in prison since 2013 for creating Silk Road, a website that allowed users to buy and sell things with Bitcoin. He was a non-violent first offender and was sentenced to double life in prison with a non-parole period of 40 years. At Ross’ trial, he was not charged with bodily harm or causing bodily harm, and the victim’s name was not released. Although Ross himself was not tried for selling drugs or illegal goods, he was held responsible for what others posted on Silk Road, including drugs.
Now, 12 years later, it’s time for Ross to be released.
In 2022, Mr. Ross sent a letter to President Biden asking for clemency, stating that Mr. Biden did not create the website with malicious intent and was merely promoting his libertarian ideology. Explained. He also shared that he would not do such a thing if he were released. I’ll do anything to “break the law” again.
President Biden ignored the letter and locked him in jail. And now President Trump has the chance to live out the rest of his life as a free man.
Mr. Ross himself believes that Mr. Trump will deliver on his promise.
A huge thank you to everyone who voted for President Trump on my behalf. I believe he will keep his promise and give me a second chance.
After more than 11 years in the dark, I can finally see the light of freedom at the end of the tunnel. Thank you very much, @realDonaldTrump 🙏
— Ross Ulbricht (@RealRossU) November 12, 2024
I’m looking forward to having Ross back.
This article is a take. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
