Ross Ulbricht Speaks Out for the First Time Since Release: ‘Trump Is a Man of His Word’

On Thursday, Jan. 23, Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road marketplace, broke his silence for the first time since receiving a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump. In a public statement, Ulbricht emphasized his newfound freedom, making it clear to the world that “Donald Trump is a man of his word.”

Ross Ulbricht Speaks Out After Pardon

Following Donald Trump granting Ross Ulbricht a full pardon after 11 years of imprisonment and giving him a second chance at life, Ulbricht expressed deep gratitude, calling it a victory for freedom and second chances. Overwhelmed by his release, he plans to reunite with his family and heal, promising to reengage with the world once ready.

“Last night, Donald Trump granted me a full pardon,” Ulbricht said in a video posted to X. “I was doing life without parole, and I was locked up for more than 11 years, but he let me out. I’m a free man now. So let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word. Thank you so much, President Trump, for giving me this amazing blessing. I am so, so grateful to have my life back, to have my future back, to have this second chance.”

“This is such an important moment for me and for my whole family,” Ulbricht added. “
It’s an important moment for everybody who’s been working for this for years. This is a victory, and it’s your victory, too. And this is an important moment for everybody everywhere who loves freedom and who cares about second chances.”

Ulbricht continued by stating:

It feels amazing to be free, to say the least. It’s overwhelming, and for the next however long we need, I’m going to be with my family so that we can reunite, be whole again, and heal. But there’s lots to talk about, and I look forward to reengaging with the free world. Once I’m feeling up to it, we’ll talk again.

For supporters of criminal justice reform and advocates of digital freedoms, Ulbricht’s pardon symbolizes a shift in how society navigates accountability and forgiveness. His case underscores the intersection of technology, ethics, and governance, offering a moment of reflection of his long and arduous journey. What lies ahead for Ulbricht could shape his legacy as a narrative of renewal.

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