• Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road, expresses gratitude after receiving a pardon from President Trump.
• Ulbricht was serving two life sentences plus 40 years for operating the illicit online marketplace.
• His case has drawn significant attention from libertarians and cryptocurrency supporters advocating for justice reform.
• Trump announced Ulbricht’s pardon as part of a broader commitment to libertarian ideals and criminal justice reform.
• In his first public statement post-pardon, Ulbricht highlights the importance of second chances and freedom.

Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road, has made his first public comments following being pardoned by former President Donald Trump, expressing profound gratitude for his release from prison. In a heartfelt video message posted on social media, Ulbricht stated, “I was doing life without parole, and I was locked up for more than 11 years, but [President Trump] let me out. I’m a free man now. So let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word.” This statement comes after Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon, which he described as "ridiculous" compared to Ulbricht’s harsh sentencing, as reported by Al Jazeera and Newsweek.

Ulbricht’s imprisonment was based on his involvement in running an anonymous marketplace that facilitated over $200 million in illegal transactions, including the sale of drugs and counterfeit documents. His supporters argue that he has been unjustly prosecuted, suggesting that he was scapegoated for a broader issue within drug policy and access on the dark web. Trump’s decision to pardon him has been welcomed by libertarians and crypto advocates, who argue for a more compassionate and nuanced approach to drug-related offenses.

In his emotional video, Ulbricht thanked Trump for the opportunity to reclaim his life, declaring it an “amazing blessing” and a pivotal moment for all who value freedom and second chances. He expressed his desire to reunite with family and rebuild his life after enduring years of incarceration. The reaction to Trump's pardon, however, has been mixed, drawing criticism from some Democratic politicians who view it as a leniency towards serious offenses associated with drug trafficking. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto publicly condemned the move, stating, “Pardoning drug trafficking kingpins is a slap in the face to families who’ve lost loved ones to his crimes” The Daily Beast reported.

As Ulbricht embarks on this new chapter, his story raises important discussions about the intersection of technology, law, and justice in modern society. His release highlights ongoing debates about criminal justice reform and the treatment of individuals involved in the burgeoning underground economy of the internet.