Former President Donald Trump declared at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention that he would commute the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, who was imprisoned in 2013 for operating the darknet marketplace.
During a historic appearance at the convention over the weekend, Trump expressed he would free Ulbricht, 40, who’s currently serving a life sentence after being convicted of running the website that facilitated illegal narcotics sales and other illicit services.
President Trump just promised that on day one he’ll pardon Ross William Ulbricht.
Trump ended his speech at the Libertarian National Convention by receiving a standing round of applause.
His appearance tonight was a great step forward towards unity. pic.twitter.com/LkkcPKeLtw
— Paul A. Szypula
(@Bubblebathgirl) May 26, 2024
“And if you vote for me, on Day One, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht,” Trump announced at the convention, prompting an eruption of massive applause from the audience, many of whom carried signs reading, “Free Ross.”
Speaking ahead of Trump, one Libertarian national committee member noted Trump could win support from the party with his promise, saying, “It’s one of the things we wanted from his first term… He wants Libertarian voters, and if he agreed to free Ross he would get a lot of votes.”
Responding from federal prison on Sunday, Ulbricht said Trump’s vow had given him renewed hope that he may one day see the outside world.
“Last night, Donald Trump pledged to commute my sentence on day 1, if reelected. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Ulbricht wrote on X.
Last night, Donald Trump pledged to commute my sentence on day 1, if reelected. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
After 11 years in prison, it is hard to express how I feel at this moment. It is thanks to your undying support that I may get a second chance.
— Ross Ulbricht (@RealRossU) May 26, 2024
“After 11 years in prison, it is hard to express how I feel at this moment. It is thanks to your undying support that I may get a second chance,” he continued.
The Libertarian Party has for years viewed Ulbricht’s arrest as an example of government overreach, arguing his sentence was too harsh due to the fact he had no part in producing the illicit drugs sold on the site, with lawyers arguing his Fourth Amendment was also violated when the feds conducted warrantless searches and surveillance on Ulbricht throughout their investigation.
Trump also made other pledges to the party, including one promise to have a Libertarian fill a cabinet position and a commitment to have Libertarians fill “senior posts” in his prospective administration.
Check out Trump’s 2024 Libertarian National Convention speech in full: