Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder: A Libertarian Victory or Internet Infamy?
President Donald Trump pardoned Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, calling his life sentence “ridiculous.” Libertarians celebrated, viewing Ulbricht as a political prisoner. Trump, eager to use his pardon power, also cleared records of over 1,500 Capitol riot participants.
Hot Take:
In the latest episode of “Presidential Pardons Gone Wild,” Donald Trump has decided to sprinkle his magic pardon dust on Ross Ulbricht, making us wonder if he’s mistaking life sentences for mere parking tickets. Who knew running an illegal drug marketplace online could be grounds for a get-out-of-jail-free card? Next up, perhaps a pardon for the inventor of spam emails?
Key Points:
- Trump pardons Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road, an infamous underground drug market.
- Ulbricht was previously sentenced to life in prison in 2015 for his role in illegal online activities.
- Trump communicated his decision on Truth Social, calling Ulbricht’s sentence “ridiculous.”
- Libertarians have long campaigned for Ulbricht’s release, viewing him as a political prisoner.
- Trump has been issuing a spree of pardons since starting his second term, including for Jan. 6 rioters.
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