BREAKING: Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht | LiveNOW from FOX

President Donald Trump has signed a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, founder of the anonymous marketplace website website Silk Road, he announced Tuesday.

Trump announced the pardon on Truth Social.

“I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross. "The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!”

Ulbricht was arrested in October 2013 in San Francisco and accused of running the notorious website — which sold drugs and other illegal products while accepting bitcoin as payment — under the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts.” Ulbricht was convicted in February 2015 on charges including drug trafficking and conspiracies to commit money laundering and computer hacking. He was sentenced that May to two life terms in prison, plus 40 years.

Ulbricht had unsuccessfully appealed his conviction and sentence up to the Supreme Court, leaving him to serve out his time at a maximum security prison in Arizona.

During his campaign, then-candidate Trump said he intended to commute "Silk road" website operator Ross Ulbricht's life sentence during a speech at the Libertarian National Convention in May 2024. At the convention, the crowd was filled with "Free Ross" signs and many attendees were chanting "Free Ross."

Raw and unfiltered. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Limited commentary. No opinion. Experience LiveNOW from FOX.

[kathybradbury]

Two life sentences plus 40 years sounds like he moved in on someone’s territory.

[childofibiza]

Promises made promises kept . That's how trump won the libertarian party

[ChicagoTarnow]

I'm here just to witness CNN losing their minds over this.

[vandalov]

i like this guy that he keep his word and remember people who loyal to him

[Zeppelin]

Unfuckin believable. What a time to be alive. Welcome back Ross.

[JAMZ-dt]

Thank you President Trump. This man received a harsher sentence than El Chapo. Unbelievable.

[poisoninthemwaters]

"but but drugs were sold on his website" yes. like facebook, whatsapp, twitter, reddit, myspace, and every other website involving people.

[insightoftheages]

Ross was guilty of creating a free market

[microcolonel]

Ross Ulbricht is no monster, and the crimes he was convicted for are absurd. His mom is a true American, who worked tirelessly for the release of her son.

[egrace]

He definitely got an extreme sentence- There are murderers, rapists who didn’t get that extreme, over the past four years- I feel he’s served his time and should be released- President Trump made a promise and he’s keeping it- I don’t have to agree with every thing he says or does he does or doesn’t do, I respect him- I still think he’s a great president. A great leader for this country.

[idwtgymn]

One of the most messed up things in this case was that the judge explicitly cited the accusations of violence in her sentencing, even though no such charges were brought let alone proven. He was in effect sentenced for crimes for which he was not convicted.

[FirstyPaul]

I have never seen a politician keep his promises until now

[Bill-ilkc]

He was never charged or convicted of murder. Craigslist has done the same thing. The only difference was that The Silk Road used bitcoin. Bitcoin is the biggest threat to the state.

[mindfulmunchkin]

At Last, NOW Pardon JULIAN ASSANGE !!!

[buzz]

The only murders that were solicited were made by two DEA cops that tried to steal millions from the seizure. The DEA cops were given 2 years, and 6.5 years. Ross was given 2 life sentences + 40 years. Ross is a libertarian, believing that anyone should have to right to spend their money how they see fit as long as it doesn't harm anyone else. The site provided a safe alternative as no one ever got stabbed over TCPIP.

[vexxshades]

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

[Joystickoperator]

To think a millimeter one way or the other and Ross would still be doing life. Crazy how things are connected

[mr.mcpurrz]

Thats Incredible! So very happy for Ross, and his family. Congrats!

[BobsunDugnutt]

Fantastic news. Well done, Mr Trump.

Enjoy your freedom, Ross Ulbricht.

[Sauupadhyay]

One of the best day!! Welcome back Ross! You are a hero now