Ross Ulbricht’s Pardon Promise
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to grant a presidential pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, if re-elected in November’s election. Trump made this announcement during the Libertarian Party’s National Convention in Washington on May 25. In his speech, Trump stated, “If you vote for me, on day one I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht,” expressing his desire to bring Ulbricht, who has already served 11 years, back home.
Trump said: “If you vote for me, on day one I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht.”
The promise of a pardon for Ulbricht is not without controversy and has ignited discussions within the crypto and legal communities. While some see it as an opportunity for Ulbricht to have a second chance after serving a significant prison term, others raise concerns about pardoning someone convicted of operating an illicit marketplace.
Political Influence of Cryptocurrency
Aside from being a growing choice among retail users, cryptocurrencies are playing an influential role in politics. A well-funded political action committee (PAC) called Fairshake, supported by notable figures in the cryptocurrency industry, is targeting key Senate races to potentially alter the Congressional power balance. Recently, the PAC spent over $10 million to oppose a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in California successfully.
- Approximately 73% of US voters believe that presidential candidates should have a well-informed view on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
- A report from Coinbase indicated that California voters who own cryptocurrencies are projected to have a significant impact on the 2024 elections.
