09 Feb 2025

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 Elon Musk Says Trump Will Pardon Silk Road’s Ross Ulbricht

 Elon Musk Says Trump Will Pardon Silk Road’s Ross Ulbricht

Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the darknet marketplace Silk Road, may receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, according to Elon Musk.

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Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison for his role in operating and owning the platform. 

He was arrested in October 2013 and later found guilty of running a marketplace that allowed buyers and sellers to anonymously trade illegal goods and services using Bitcoin.

Following Trump’s election as U.S. president, discussions began about who he might pardon, with Ross Ulbricht frequently mentioned as a candidate. At the time of writing, 95% of Polymarket users believe Trump will grant Ulbricht a pardon.

Responding to a user’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk – who has shown support for Trump during his presidential campaigns and was recently appointed as leader of the Department of Governance Efficiency (DOGE) – stated:

“Ross will be freed too.”

But why would Trump consider it?

Ulbricht’s supporters have long argued that his sentence was excessively harsh. They point out that he was not convicted of selling drugs, laundering money, or hacking but instead held accountable for what users of Silk Road posted on the platform. 

According to members of the Free Ross movement, it’s unfair to hold him solely responsible for the actions of others.

On the other hand, critics argue that the Silk Road caused substantial harm, including life-altering consequences for those affected by its illegal activities.

So, would Trump take that leap? Maybe.

For now, it remains speculation.

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