Key Takeaways
- President Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, freeing him after over 10 years.
- The pardon exceeded expectations by absolving Ulbricht of all legal consequences.
- Bitcoin supporters view the pardon as a victory for freedom and justice.
The Bitcoin community erupted in celebration after President Donald Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road darknet marketplace.
Ulbricht, who had been serving two life sentences plus 40 years, walked free early Wednesday morning, more than a decade after his incarceration began.
Community reaction
Finally Ross is free!
Tether CTO Paolo Ardoino posted on X, echoing the sentiments of many Bitcoin advocates.
Bitcoin historian Pete Rizzo called January 21 “Ross Ulbricht Freedom Day,” highlighting its significance in Bitcoin’s history, as the date coincides with Bitcoin’s total supply of 21 million and its 2009 genesis block.
Scope of the pardon
Ulbricht’s pardon fulfilled a pledge Trump made during his campaign, although the scope of the pardon exceeded expectations.
Unlike a commutation, which would have ended Ulbricht’s sentence but left his convictions intact, the full pardon absolves him of all legal consequences.
Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey, a longtime supporter of Ulbricht’s release, said:
Full pardon over commutation is a huge deal!
Years of advocacy
The campaign to free Ulbricht gained traction over the years, with supporters, including his mother, Lyn Ulbricht, tirelessly advocating for clemency.
Peter McCormack, a Bitcoin podcaster, said:
Lyn Ulbricht is a warrior.
Political implications
Trump’s action has also reignited speculation about his pro-Bitcoin policies, including plans for a U.S. Bitcoin reserve.
While opinions remain mixed, many see Ulbricht’s release as a sign of more bold initiatives to come.
