President Trump Grants Unconditional Pardon to Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht After 11 Years

Jan 21, 2025, 10:37 PM

President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the 40-year-old founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace, after over 11 years in prison. Ulbricht, who was serving a life sentence for charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and computer hacking, is now a free man. The pardon fulfills a promise Trump made during his campaign to commute Ulbricht's sentence, with supporters noting, "Promises made, promises kept." The New York Post reported that sources close to the White House confirmed the pardon was "incoming." Libertarian Party Chair Angela McArdle and Elon Musk had earlier hinted at Ulbricht's imminent release, with Musk stating, "Ross will be freed too." Polymarket odds of Ulbricht's pardon had surged past 90% following these developments. The move has been applauded by libertarian groups and high-profile individuals.