In a significant political promise, former President Donald Trump has pledged to commute the prison sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht if he wins the upcoming election.
While addressing the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., Trump offered support for Ulbricht, seeing this as a way to rally libertarian voters, Fox News reported.
The pledge to commute Ulbricht's sentence came during Trump's speech at an event characterized by a high libertarian turnout. Notably, many supporters of Ross Ulbricht were present, waving "FREE ROSS" signs at the convention. Ross Ulbricht, associated with the digital marketplace Silk Road from 2011 until his arrest in 2013, was sentenced in 2015 to life imprisonment. His charges connected him with six deaths due to drugs sold on his platform and accusations regarding the hiring of hitmen.
Donald Trump also took this occasion to address his stance on cryptocurrencies, vehemently opposing President Biden's attempts to tighten regulations on digital currencies. He emphasized a pro-cryptocurrency agenda that he claimed would protect an industry founded and flourished in the United States.
His commitment to resist any attempts by Democrats and specifically mentioned Senator Elizabeth Warren provides a glimpse of his envisioned policy landscape if back in office. Trump stated, "I will support the right of self-custody. To the nation's 50 million crypto holders, I say this: with your vote, I will keep Elizabeth Warren and her goons away from your Bitcoin. And I will never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency."
Donald Trump believes his stance on technological and financial issues could incentivize the cryptocurrency community and libertarians to support him, potentially influencing the elections.
Ross Ulbricht, the man at the center of the Silk Road controversy, ran the infamous marketplace from 2011 to 2013. The platform was known for facilitating illicit drug sales and many other illegal activities using Bitcoin, attracting the attention of federal authorities. His arrest in 2013 led to a significant trial and life sentence in 2015.
Donald Trump mentioned that he contemplated pardoning Ulbricht during his presidency but decided against it. This previous contemplation of a pardon shows a long-standing interest in the case, which has fully evolved into his pledge to commute the sentence.
During Trump's speech, he highlighted the length of time Ulbricht has already served, emphasizing the need for mercy after over a decade behind bars. "He's already served 11 years. We're going to get him home," Trump said, showing his conviction towards this cause.
The promise to free Ulbricht aligns with Trump's broader political strategies to gather support beyond his traditional base within the Republican party. By appealing to libertarian and crypto-enthusiastic voters, Trump aims to diversify and strengthen his political backing in the face of the upcoming elections.
This move could sway opinions and garner votes from those disenfranchised by the current political treatment of technological and personal freedom matters, which Trump promises to protect and enhance.
To conclude, Donald Trump's commitment to commute Ross Ulbricht's sentence if elected signifies a central pivot aimed at winning over libertarian and cryptocurrency-supporting voters. With his robust criticism of regulatory attempts on cryptocurrencies, Trump's approach strategically appeals to those advocating for less government oversight and enhanced personal liberties.
