US President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the online drug marketplace Silk Road, after he spent 12 years in prison. Ulbricht was arrested in 2013 at age 29 and sentenced to life without parole. Trump's promise to pardon Ulbricht was made during his campaign allowing for potential clemency. The crypto community has fervently advocated for Ulbricht's release, arguing that he should not face life in prison for facilitating a marketplace that allowed trade of both legal and illegal goods. Supporters regard him as a pivotal figure in Bitcoin's early adoption, as Silk Road was among the first platforms to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. They also believe Ulbricht's views on individual freedom align with Bitcoin's core principles. Throughout his imprisonment, Ulbricht has been vocal about Bitcoin and its impact, even sharing posts under his name on social media. This decision has significant implications, reflecting the ongoing debate over cryptocurrency's role in society and the legal perspectives surrounding its use.

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