The race for the U.S. presidential election in November has begun, with Republican candidate Donald Trump turning to support cryptocurrencies, attracting many young American voters. On Saturday (May 25), he promised the public that if he wins, he will pardon Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, emphasizing the right to self-custody. He accused current President Biden of endangering the cryptocurrency industry, causing a "slow death."
Speaking at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington D.C., Trump expressed his strong support for the cryptocurrency market while criticizing the Biden administration's past stance on the industry. He stated, "We will stop Biden's crackdown on cryptocurrency. I will ensure the future of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin remains in the U.S., rather than being driven overseas."
"I will support the right to self-custody," he emphasized.
He also mentioned that if elected, he would protect the rights of 50 million American cryptocurrency holders and ensure that Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and her supporters would not get access to their Bitcoin. He also vowed never to allow the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Most notably, he promised that if he wins the 2024 U.S. presidential election, he will commute the life sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht to time served.
He explained, "If you vote for me, on my first day in office, I will commute Ross Ulbricht's sentence to time served. He has already served 11 years; we need to bring him home."
It is known that Ross founded Silk Road in 2011, a platform rife with illegal goods such as drugs, child pornography, and hitmen services, amassing $1.2 billion in wealth in just two years.
Ross was ultimately arrested in October 2013 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2015, with an order to pay $183 million in restitution.
This verdict caused widespread controversy at the time, with Ross becoming a martyr in the eyes of many cryptocurrency enthusiasts and libertarians. They believe the harsh sentence was a sign of government overreach and a violation of his constitutional rights.
Looking back at 2018, many supporters argued that Ross's sentence was too severe and that he did not directly participate in drug transactions and violent crimes. His family and supporters have been advocating for a reduction in his sentence and pardon, believing he should be allowed to re-enter society.
In recent months, Trump's attitude towards cryptocurrencies has clearly shifted, with multiple public statements in support of the industry. He has also become the first major party presidential candidate to accept cryptocurrency donations.
These moves show his emphasis on and support for the cryptocurrency industry, hoping to garner more support from cryptocurrency enthusiasts in the election. Just hours before making this public commitment, Trump also expressed his support for the cryptocurrency industry on the social media platform Truth Social.
He wrote, "I have a very positive and open attitude towards cryptocurrency companies and this emerging industry."
"Our country must become the leader in this field, not second place," he continued.
He also criticized his opponent in the end: "Biden wants the cryptocurrency industry to die slowly, but that will never happen under my administration."