Former President Donald Trump has once again reaffirmed his support for the imprisoned Silk Road founder, Ross Ulbricht, who recently began his 12th year in prison. Ulbricht was sentenced to two life sentences plus an additional 40 years without parole for his involvement in creating and operating the Silk Road, an online marketplace known for facilitating illegal transactions using Bitcoin.
Trump’s latest declaration of support for Ulbricht came in the form of a post on his Truth Social page, where he vowed to “save Ross Ulbricht.” This is not the first time Trump has expressed his backing for Ulbricht, as he previously stated during the Libertarian National Convention in May that he would commute Ulbricht’s sentence on his first day in office if elected.
The announcement of Trump’s support for Ulbricht has sparked a debate among the public, with some viewing it as a genuine act of justice and compassion, while others see it as a strategic move to garner support from cryptocurrency enthusiasts in his potential 2024 presidential bid. Ulbricht himself expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, stating that it could potentially pave the way for a new chapter in his life after years of incarceration.
Notable figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and venture capitalist Tim Draper have also weighed in on Ulbricht’s case, with Musk deeming the sentence as “a bit too high” and Draper advocating for Ulbricht’s release, citing the length of time he has already served in prison.
Trump’s evolving stance on cryptocurrency has also played a role in his support for Ulbricht, as he has shifted from being a critic of digital assets to a staunch supporter. His promises to the crypto community, including plans to dismiss the current Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Gary Gensler once in office, have generated interest and optimism among crypto users.
Overall, Trump’s reaffirmation of support for Ross Ulbricht has reignited discussions on justice, internet freedom, privacy, and the use of cryptocurrency. As the debate continues to unfold, the fate of Ulbricht and the implications of Trump’s promises remain uncertain, yet impactful on the future of both the Silk Road founder and the cryptocurrency community at large.