Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht after decade in prison

President Donald Trump granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace, who had been serving two life sentences plus 40 years for drug-related charges. This decision aligns with Trump's previous promises to Libertarian supporters and reflects a significant shift from his earlier tough-on-drugs rhetoric, including a call for the death penalty for drug dealers. Ulbricht, known as 'Dread Pirate Roberts,' facilitated over $200 million in illegal transactions through Silk Road from 2011 to 2013, using bitcoin to maintain anonymity. Following his pardon, Trump criticized those involved in Ulbricht's conviction, calling the sentences he received 'ridiculous.' The pardon has received mixed reactions, particularly within the crypto community, which largely supports Ulbricht's release. Ulbricht was released immediately after the announcement and shared his newfound freedom publicly on social media.