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On May 25 of the previous year, Donald Trump made a pledge to reduce the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the early Bitcoin advocate and creator of Silk Road, to time served if he was elected as president. With Trump’s victory in the elections and his inauguration just a week away, the Bitcoin community is left with a burning question: Will Trump grant Ulbricht a pardon?

In my opinion, it is highly likely that Trump will stay true to his word and release Ulbricht from his incarceration. I have not come across any indications suggesting that Trump might back out of his promise. On the contrary, his consistent support for the Bitcoin industry gives me confidence that Ulbricht will regain his freedom soon. Given Trump’s power as president, it should be a relatively straightforward process.

Ulbricht’s personal account, currently managed by his wife, suggests that he is gearing up for his release from prison. She recently shared his New Year’s resolution for 2024: to study daily and prepare for his impending freedom.

Ross Ulbricht has been imprisoned since 2013 for establishing Silk Road, a platform where Bitcoin was used to buy and sell goods. Despite being a non-violent first-time offender, he was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years without parole. Ross wasn’t directly charged with selling drugs or illegal goods, but was held accountable for the activities taking place on Silk Road, which did include drug sales. Now, after 12 years, it seems the moment for Ulbricht’s release is drawing near.

In 2022, Ulbricht penned a letter to President Biden requesting a pardon, stating his intentions behind creating Silk Road were innocent and ideologically driven. He promised that if released, he would avoid any illegal activities. Unfortunately, Biden ignored the plea and Ulbricht remained behind bars. Now, it falls to President Trump to grant Ulbricht his freedom.

Ulbricht himself is positive that Trump will fulfill his promise. On Twitter, he expressed his gratitude to those who supported Trump’s election on his behalf and voiced his belief that he will be given a second chance.

As someone closely following the Bitcoin landscape, I am eagerly anticipating Ulbricht’s return to freedom.

The views shared in this article are solely those of the author and may not reflect the opinions of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.