Trump Makes Good On Promise To Libertarians, Pardons Ross Ulbricht

On his first full day in office, President Donald Trump fulfilled a key campaign promise to libertarians by pardoning 40-year-old Ross Ulbricht, the creator and operator of the darknet site Silk Road.

Ulbricht was sentenced to double life imprisonment in 2015 and was convicted for “distributing narcotics, distributing narcotics by means of the Internet, conspiring to distribute narcotics, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiring to commit computer hacking, conspiring to traffic in false identity documents, and conspiring to commit money laundering,” according to the government.

However, libertarians, in particular, have taken up the case to “free Ross,” arguing that Ulbricht merely facilitated “peaceful online transactions among consenting adults” and was made an example of by a government still trying to navigate and understand the online space.

Notably, Ulbricht was sentenced to double life plus 40 years without the chance at parole in a Manhattan federal court.

ROSS IS FREE

Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, the largest libertarian marketplace in history—was sentenced to life in prison in 2015.

After spending 11 years behind bars, President Trump has granted him a presidential pardon, finally giving Ross back his freedom. pic.twitter.com/noU93nBrku

— Students For Liberty (@sfliberty) January 22, 2025

“I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” Trump posted to Truth Social late Tuesday night.

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“The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me,” the president added. “He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!”

Back in May, Trump attended the Libertarian Party convention — the only nominee to do so — and was loudly booed by some attendees. Still, while attending the convention, Trump promised to free Ulbricht, a promise he fulfilled on his first full day in office.

Trump went to the Libertarian Party convention last year – filled with “FREE ROSS” [Ulbricht] signs – and promised to pardon Ross, as part of Trump asking for the party’s endorsement.

In exchange, he was booed, and they declined to endorse him.

Trump went on to pardon Ross,… https://t.co/RlFbP4H3HF pic.twitter.com/wpTMmaTBzM

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 22, 2025

“Thank you for honoring your pledge to Ross, to our members, and to libertarians everywhere, [Donald Trump],” the Libertarian Party’s X account posted online. 

Thank you for honoring your pledge to Ross, to our members, and to libertarians everywhere, @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/9YtQNrOhW9

— Libertarian Party (@LPNational) January 22, 2025

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie (R) also praised Trump for keeping his word. “Ross Ulbricht has been freed by President Trump with a full pardon!” he wrote on X. “Thank you for keeping your word to me and others who have been advocating for Ross’ freedom, Mr. President!”

Ross Ulbricht has been freed by President Trump with a full pardon! Thank you for keeping your word to me and others who have been advocating for Ross’ freedom, Mr. President! #freeRoss pic.twitter.com/wOJVFX1DaA

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 22, 2025