- Ulbricht’s release seen as major win for Bitcoin advocates, highlighting the cryptocurrency’s role in promoting financial freedom.
- Silk Road founder’s pardon prompts celebration on social media, underscoring Bitcoin’s influence on privacy and decentralization.
Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, an online marketplace on the darknet that utilized Bitcoin (BTC) for transactions, has been granted a full pardon by President Donald Trump.
After serving over a decade in prison on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, Ulbricht’s release marks a significant moment for Bitcoin advocates who view it as a fulfillment of one of Trump’s campaign promises.
Continuing with ETHNews reports, The pardon, issued on January 21st, was met with broad celebration within the Bitcoin community, particularly on the social media platform X, where users have long championed Ulbricht as a pioneer of privacy and the decentralized principles Bitcoin embodies.
Despite the expectation that the pardon would occur on Trump’s first day in office, the actual realization on the second day still resonated as a potent symbol of political commitment and justice.
Samson Mow’s company, JAN3, a well-known entity in the Bitcoin community, heralded the pardon as a “historic day” not only for Ulbricht and his family but for the community at large.
Mow emphasized the significance of this event as a recognition of Bitcoin by the sitting U.S. president, enhancing its legitimacy and aligning with broader financial and personal freedoms.
We are elated to hear that @RealRossU has been pardoned from his life sentence. This is a historic day for Ross, his family, and the #Bitcoin community. It’s also a powerful acknowledgment of Bitcoin by the current US President. pic.twitter.com/fAo31BGVK1
— JAN3 (@JAN3com) January 22, 2025
U.S. Senator Thomas Massie also expressed support, noting that Trump’s action not only fulfilled a promise to him personally but to others in the community who have long advocated for Ulbricht’s freedom.
Ross Ulbricht has not only had his sentence commuted… but has received a FULL PARDON!
Ross has been a POW of the @RonPaul Revolution since 2013 and @realDonaldTrump has followed through with his promise to send him home.
Congratulations everyone who made this happen!
pic.twitter.com/9rUL7ge2kT
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) January 22, 2025
The pardon has sparked a renewal of discussions around the implications of Bitcoin and blockchain technology for personal freedom. Advocates like Mamatoshi underscore Ulbricht’s vision of a freely trading platform, which they argue is aligned with Bitcoin’s core ethos of decentralization and resistance against monetary control.
Why is Ross such a legend in the Bitcoin community?
He was the epitome of Bitcoin’s early spirit, building Silk Road as a free, voluntary trading platform. Ulbricht’s vision was about radical freedom and creating a better world, not just profit. His harsh sentencing felt like an…
— Mamatoshi (@ma_ma_toshi) January 22, 2025
They stress that Bitcoin’s purpose transcends mere wealth accumulation, aiming instead to revolutionize money itself.
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
Further echoing this sentiment, the team at BlueWallet reflected on Ulbricht’s release as a victory for the fundamental right to transact freely without undue interference, stating that common sense, in the long run, will pave the way for a majority to embrace these freedoms. Their rallying cry, “The tool is Bitcoin” encapsulates the broader ideological battle within which Ulbricht’s pardon is situated.
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