Donald Trump to ‘Save’ Ross Ulbricht: Silk Road Creator’s 12-Year Prison Ordeal Draws Presidential Attention

• Former President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to commuting the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht.
• Ulbricht’s case has sparked ongoing controversy, with critics, including venture capitalist Tim Draper, arguing that his sentence is disproportionate to the charges.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again expressed support for Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road. Ulbricht is currently serving a double life sentence with an additional 40 years for his role in creating the dark web marketplace. Earlier this week, on October 1, Ulbricht began his 12th year behind bars.

“Today marks the beginning of my 12th year in prison. I plan to make the most of my time and use it wisely,” he wrote. Moreover, his family has regularly posted updates on his behalf as he remains isolated from the outside world while serving his sentence.

Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to pledge his commitment. He wrote, “I WILL SAVE ROSS ULBRICHT!” in response to a message from the Silk Road founder. Ulbricht, who turned 40 in March, shared his own reflections on the milestone through a post shared by his family on his X account.

This is not the first time Trump has advocated for Ulbricht’s release. Earlier in 2024, during the Libertarian National Convention, Trump also promised to commute Ulbricht’s sentence if re-elected as President.

Ulbricht expressed deep gratitude for Trump’s public support at the time. He wrote on X, “Last night, Donald Trump pledged to commute my sentence on day one if reelected. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. After 11 years in prison, it’s hard to put into words how I feel right now.”

Backlash Over Silk Road Case Sentencing, Donald Trump to Rescue?

Ulbricht’s case has drawn considerable attention and debate over the years. Many argue that his sentence is excessive compared to the charges brought against him. For context, the Silk Road marketplace facilitated the exchange of illegal goods and services using crypto.

Thereafter, the U.S. government seized a whopping 144,000 Bitcoin in 2013, and Ulbricht was arrested shortly after. As per the CNF report, the US government also sold its partial holdings worth $600 million, seized from the Silk Road route. Critics of his sentencing believe that the double life sentence, along with an additional 40 years without the possibility of parole, is unjust.

Among the voices advocating for clemency is billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper, who is vocal in urging for Ulbricht’s release. Trump’s recent pledge has further reignited hopes among Ulbricht’s supporters. They now believe that a potential presidential victory could mean a new chance for Ulbricht.

Trump’s shifting stance on crypto issues and the timing of his latest comments have grabbed the attention of crypto voters. Some market analysts also believe that Donald Trump’s victory will be crucial for XRP ETF and SOL ETF approval, reported CNF. However, on Polymarket, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, is leading with 50% odds of winning. Nonetheless, since the gap is slumping, with Trump’s chances at 49%, the market expects a strong comeback.

Last month, Donald Trump dabbled into the decentralized finance (DeFi) market by launching his own project World Liberty Financial, reported CNF.