President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road online marketplace. The pardon fulfills a campaign promise Trump made in May 2024 at the Libertarian Party’s National Convention, where he vowed to commute Ulbricht’s sentence to time served.
Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social, writing, “I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht 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.” He also criticized those who prosecuted Ulbricht, calling them “the same lunatics” who have weaponized government against him.
Ulbricht was convicted in 2015 on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and computer hacking. His Silk Road website, launched in 2011, facilitated anonymous transactions between drug buyers and sellers using Bitcoin. Prosecutors linked the platform to the deaths of six individuals due to drugs allegedly distributed through the site. Ulbricht was sentenced to two life terms in prison plus 40 years, a penalty many critics deemed excessive.
Libertarians have long viewed Ulbricht as a political prisoner and an example of government overreach. Angela McArdle, Chair of the Libertarian National Committee, celebrated the pardon, calling it “an incredible moment in Libertarian history.” She added, “Ross, congratulations to you and your family. God bless you and keep you safe in your newfound freedom.”
The Libertarian Party also awarded Ulbricht an honorary lifetime membership in recognition of his release.
Trump’s action is part of a broader slate of executive actions during his second term, including efforts to curb government overreach and uphold individual liberties.
