Staff ReportsPresident Donald Trump is back in the news, and this time it’s for making good on a promise that many thought might just be campaign fluff. With the ink barely dry on his inauguration certificate, Trump announced a full, unconditional pardon for Ross Ulbricht, more commonly known as the mastermind behind the Silk Road. Yes, that Silk Road—the online black market where everything from narcotics to parakeets could be purchased with the click of a button.
In a classic Trump move, he took to Truth Social to break the news, sharing that he personally called Ulbricht’s mother to cement the deal. It seems that honoring the Libertarian Movement, which happily backed him, is a priority for the former president. He wasted no time blasting the “scum” who sentenced Ulbricht to two life sentences plus an extra 40 years, claiming it was all part of a larger conspiracy against him. Imagine having a legal career where your achievements could be overshadowed by a hotshot in the Oval Office.
Ulbricht’s journey from web developer to infamous felon began when he was arrested in 2013. The judge made the connection between his site and multiple overdose deaths, though Ulbricht didn’t handle a single drug or weapon transaction himself. Talk about a harsh sentence! Many have argued that he’s paying for the sins of the internet—a classic “let’s throw the book at someone” scenario that seems to favor punishment over pragmatism.
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Trump Fulfills Campaign Promise With Major Pardonhttps://t.co/KWYhiqXLr6
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) January 22, 2025
This whole situation has stirred the pot especially among Libertarian circles, where many believe Ulbricht got a raw deal. To spice things up, Trump waved his pardon wand at a Libertarian Party convention where he faced a less-than-welcome reception. Despite what could be called hostile vibes, he charmed the crowd with his promise to commute Ulbricht’s sentence on his very first day if he won. The audience erupted in applause—perhaps the loudest cheers of the evening. It’s always fun watching politicians flip the narrative on a fickle audience, especially one that’s known for its unique beliefs.
Fast forward to Ulbricht’s social media jubilation, where he expressed gratitude for the promise made by Trump. Twelve long years behind bars can chip away at even the most resilient soul, and here comes Trump as the potential savior. Many Libertarians are waving flags, viewing Trump’s commitment as a major draw for their vote in the upcoming election. The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire even put his promise to pardon Ulbricht at the top of their list for supporting his presidential run. It’s a match made in political heaven (or maybe a dark corner of the internet), proving yet again that in politics, making big promises can lead to enthusiastic fanfare and support.
