Trump promises to shorten Silk Road founder’s prison sentence.

Former President Trump made a bold promise on Saturday to commute the prison sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the infamous online drug-selling platform Silk Road. This announcement was met with enthusiasm at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., where Trump was aiming to gain the support of party activists, many of whom were advocating for Ulbricht’s freedom with signs that read: “FREE ROSS.”

Addressing the crowd, Trump declared, “If you vote for me, on day one I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, to a sentence of time served.” The room erupted in cheers as Trump emphasized, “He’s already served 11 years. We’re going to get him home.”

Throughout his presidency, Trump had contemplated intervening in Ulbricht’s case but ultimately decided against a pardon. Ulbricht, currently 40 years old, was handed a life sentence in 2015 by a judge who linked six deaths to drugs purchased through his platform, as well as allegations of plotting the deaths of five individuals.

Operating Silk Road between 2011 and 2013, Ulbricht’s arrest marked the end of his illicit online empire. In addition to promising Ulbricht’s release, Trump also pledged to protect cryptocurrencies and halt President Biden’s efforts to “crush crypto.”

Asserting his stance on the matter, Trump vowed, “We’re going to stop it. I will ensure that the future of crypto and the future of Bitcoin will be made in the USA, not driven overseas. I will support the right of self-custody.” Addressing the nation’s 50 million crypto holders, Trump assured them that their assets would be shielded from interference, stating, “With your vote, I will keep [Senator] Elizabeth Warren and her goons away from your bitcoin. And I will never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency.”

Trump’s appearance at the convention was a strategic move to connect with potential supporters beyond traditional Republican strongholds. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had also made an appearance at the event the previous day.