Trump Advocates for Silk Road Convict’s Release, Champions US Crypto Growth

After being found guilty of running the Silk Road and receiving a life sentence in 2015, Ross Ulbricht is still behind bars for his role in enabling the purchase of illegal narcotics and hacking equipment between 2011 and 2013 using Bitcoin and other virtual currencies. Ulbricht, who is currently serving a life sentence, has garnered a lot of attention from libertarian voters who see his case as an example of government overreach.

In an attempt to win over libertarians, Donald Trump has promised to back Ulbricht. This action is consistent with libertarians’ long-standing support of Ulbricht’s release. With his support for “everything related to” cryptocurrencies, the GOP candidate who has been charged four times has significantly changed his stance from earlier criticism.

Trump’s newfound stance on cryptocurrencies contrasts sharply with his earlier views. In a 2021 Fox Business interview, he championed the U.S. dollar’s dominance and called for strict regulation of digital currencies. Now, he expresses strong support for the burgeoning industry.

“I am very positive and open-minded to cryptocurrency companies and all things related to this new and burgeoning industry. Our country must be the leader in the field, there is no second place.”— Donald Trump, former U.S. President

Surge in Trump-Themed Meme Coins

A few Trump-themed meme coins have seen a sharp increase in value as a result of Trump’s outspoken support for cryptocurrencies. As investors believe that a Trump administration may be advantageous for the cryptocurrency industry, tokens like the “MAGA” coin have increased in value.

Trump’s decision to back cryptocurrency and his pledge to help Ulbricht demonstrate his approach of courting the support of the crypto community and the Libertarian voter base.