President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road darknet marketplace. Ulbricht, who had been serving a 40-year sentence and two life terms without parole, was released after 12 years in prison. Trump announced the pardon on his Truth Social platform, calling the original sentence “ridiculous” and extending his support to Ulbricht’s mother and the Libertarian movement.

The Silk Road, launched in 2011, gained notoriety for using Bitcoin to facilitate anonymous transactions, including the sale of illicit goods. Although Ulbricht admitted involvement, he denied being the sole creator or operator of the marketplace. His case has been a focal point for Bitcoin enthusiasts, who view him as a pioneer in the cryptocurrency's adoption. During Silk Road’s peak, Bitcoin reached its first significant price milestone of $32, highlighting its growing prominence.

The pardon fulfilled one of Trump’s campaign promises to the crypto community. However, many supporters had expressed disappointment when the pardon wasn’t issued during his initial presidency. U.S. Senator Rand Paul had even urged Trump to act just hours before the announcement.

Ulbricht’s harsh sentencing has long been criticized, especially when compared to other Silk Road users who received significantly lighter penalties. Advocates argue that his contributions to Bitcoin’s early ecosystem should be acknowledged. Billionaire Tim Draper and programmer Amir Taaki have previously called for his release, emphasizing his impact on the crypto industry.

While Ulbricht’s legacy remains polarizing, his views on freedom and decentralization resonate with Bitcoin’s principles. Even during his incarceration, he actively engaged with the crypto community, warning of scams and sharing insights. His release has reignited debates on justice, technology, and the future of Bitcoin pioneers.