(Reclaim The Net)—President Donald Trump has today given a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road, an anonymous dark web marketplace accused of facilitating the sale of illicit goods and services.
The decision comes after years of lobbying by Ulbricht’s supporters, who argue that his punishment was excessive.
Ross Ulbricht, now 40 years old, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2015 for his role in creating and operating the Silk Road. The online platform, which operated anonymously via the Tor network, became infamous for its use of Bitcoin to conduct transactions.
Despite only being a truly open marketplace where anyone could participate in private, authorities challenged Ulbricht due to users on the platform involving drugs, weapons, and other illegal items. Due to his free and open policies, prosecutors had described Ulbricht as a digital kingpin, holding him responsible for the platform’s activities.
The Silk Road, which was shut down by federal authorities in 2013, reportedly facilitated billions of dollars in transactions during its brief existence. While supporters of Ulbricht argue that he was a pioneer in the use of cryptocurrency and a scapegoat for the government’s crackdown on the dark web, prosecutors painted a starkly different picture during his trial, accusing him of profiting from a marketplace that contributed to real-world harm.
During the 2024 campaign, President Trump promised Libertarians that he would free Ulbricht. “If you vote for me – on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of ‘time-served,’” President Trump said. “He’s already served 11 years, we’re gonna get him home.”
In a statement today, President Trump posted on Truth Social: “I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross. The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!”
Supporters who argue Ulbricht should not have been charged or received a harsh sentence often present the following points:
1. Free Market and Libertarian Values:
- Ulbricht created Silk Road as an experiment in voluntary exchange and free markets.
- The platform emphasized individual choice, allowing users to decide how to engage in transactions without government interference.
2. Selective Prosecution:
- Ulbricht was disproportionately targeted while other larger and similar platforms, such as eBay and Amazon, have facilitated illegal transactions without comparable scrutiny.
- Critics argue his prosecution was a symbolic act to deter others from challenging the government’s control over online markets.
3. Excessive Sentence:
- Ulbricht received two life sentences without the possibility of parole, which many view as unduly harsh for a non-violent offender.
- Supporters argue that the sentence was excessive compared to penalties for more serious crimes like murder or large-scale fraud.
4. Lack of Due Process:
- The trial included evidence obtained through potentially illegal methods, raising concerns about the violation of Ulbricht’s Fourth Amendment rights.
- Allegations of corrupt federal agents involved in the investigation further undermine the legitimacy of the case.
5. Lack of Direct Criminal Involvement:
- Ulbricht himself did not sell drugs or engage in illegal transactions; he only created the platform.
- Advocates argue that prosecuting him for actions of third-party users sets a dangerous precedent for online intermediaries.
6. Disproportionate Blame for Harm:
- Critics argue Ulbricht was held accountable for the actions of Silk Road users, including drug overdoses, even though he did not directly cause harm.
- Blaming a platform creator for the misuse of their system mirrors holding social media platforms accountable for harmful content, a contentious issue.
7. Innovation Stifling:
- Ulbricht’s prosecution sends a chilling message to innovators, particularly in decentralized and blockchain-based technologies.
- This could discourage the creation of platforms that promote privacy and freedom from centralized control.
- President Trump went further than a commutation of Ulbricht’s sentence and instead issued a full pardon.
If you’re tired of censorship and surveillance, subscribe to Reclaim The Net.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that fiat currencies across the globe, including the U.S. Dollar, are under attack. Paper money is losing its value, translating into insane inflation and less value in our life’s savings.
Genesis Gold Group believes physical precious metals are an amazing option for those seeking to move their wealth or retirement to higher ground. Whether Central Bank Digital Currencies replace current fiat currencies or not, precious metals are poised to retain or even increase in value. This is why central banks and mega-asset managers like BlackRock are moving much of their holdings to precious metals.
As a Christian company, Genesis Gold Group has maintained a perfect 5 out of 5 rating with the Better Business Bureau. Their faith-driven values allow them to help Americans protect their life’s savings without the gimmicks used by most precious metals companies. Reach out to them today to see how they can streamline the rollover or transfer of your current and previous retirement accounts.
Kamala Harris Says the American Dream Is “Gone”
by Modernity News
During a pre recorded interview, Kamala Harris once again failed to deliver any substantive outline of her policies, primarily attacking Donald Trump’s outlook and his first term in office. At one point when speaking about the economy, Harris appeared to suggest, in stark contrast to Trump, that the American Dream…
Gold Price Forecasts Skyrocket Following Moves by China and the Fed
by Sponsored Post
With the Federal Reserve beginning what most expect to be a sustained easing cycle, momentum continues to rise for gold and silver. Values have been steadily rising and the newest forecasts point to even more gains down the road. At the end of September, BMO Capital Markets published updated commodity…
Taxes and Tariffs and Trade: Oh My! Trump’s Plan to Bolster the Economy
by Just The News
In a bid to build a broader coalition, former President Donald Trump has outlined a vision of tax cuts, import tariffs, and “reciprocal trade” to preserve and restore American industries. Since coming down the escalator of Trump Tower in 2015, the Republican standard bearer has espoused unconventional trade policies and…
Expert Testimony: Mass Immigration Under Biden-Harris Is Driving Up Rents for Americans
by Breitbart
The arrival of millions of foreign nationals, many of whom are illegal aliens, under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is helping to drive up rents for working- and middle-class Americans, an expert witness told Congress Wednesday. Center for Immigration Studies Director of Research Steven Camarota told the…
This Year Marks First Since 1958 That Us Held No Oil and Gas Lease Sales
by Just The News
This year will be the first year since 1958 that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held no offshore oil and gas lease sales. Energy expert Alex Epstein, author of “Fossil Future,” argued at a recent House Budget Committee hearing the United States’ record-high oil production is in spite of…
Kamala’s Devastating Middle Class Taxes
by Independent Sentinel
With the election coming up, the IRS plans to reduce our taxes for 2025. it’s a common tactic to make it seem like they won’t tax us into oblivion once they return to office. CBS News: Some Americans could see lower federal income taxes in 2025 due to an annual…
Congress Passes Stop-Gap Spending Bill After Failed Mike Johnson Gambit
by Breitbart
Congress on Wednesday passed legislation that would fund the government through nearly the end of December. The House and the Senate passed a stop-gap spending bill that would push the government spending deadline to December 20. The measure, otherwise known as a continuing resolution (CR), keeps federal spending the same….
A ‘Bipartisan’ Bar Tried to Open in DC, Then Libs Cried That an Elephant Image Was ‘Hurtful.’
by The National Pulse
A new bar in Washington, D.C., whose political theme focused on bipartisan agreement and debate, succumbed to partisan pressure before the establishment could even serve its first drink. Originally billed as Political Pattie’s, the bar was flooded with complaints by liberals who said the establishment’s logo—specifically the Republican Elephant—was offensive…
Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Janitors to Take $200 Sexual Harassment Training
by Just The News
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring companies that hire janitors to make sure janitors take sexual assault training every other year, and pay $200 per participant for sessions with under 10 janitors present, and $8 for sessions with 10 or more janitors. The bill also requires the government…
Biden-Harris Regime Prepares Another $8 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine During Zelensky’s Washington Visit
by The Gateway Pundit
The Biden-Harris regime is once again prioritizing foreign interests over the well-being of American citizens, with plans to announce an eye-watering $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington. This massive giveaway comes as Americans continue to face economic hardships, skyrocketing inflation, and…
‘Economic Dystopia:’ Silicon Valley Tycoon Predicts AI Will Take Over 80% of All Work
by Breitbart
Vinod Khosla, legendary Silicon Valley investor and entrepreneur, has predicted that AI will replace the majority of work in most jobs, necessitating the implementation of universal basic income (UBI) to prevent economic instability and inequity. Fortune reports that in a recent blog post, Vinod Khosla, the billionaire co-founder of Sun…
