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Trump's 'Free Ross Day One' Promise Breaks Bitcoiners' Hearts
![Trump's 'Free Ross Day One' Promise Breaks Bitcoiners' Hearts Trump's 'Free Ross Day One' Promise Breaks Bitcoiners' Hearts](https://en.milieudefensie.nl/news/the-netherlands-breaks-climate-promise/@@download/image/signal-2022-10-07-084426_002.jpeg)
During his presidential campaign in 2016, Donald Trump made a bold promise to pardon rapper Ross Ulbricht, known as the "Dread Pirate Roberts," who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his involvement with the Silk Road darknet marketplace. The Silk Road, which operated from 2011 to 2013, facilitated the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods using Bitcoin.
Trump's promise ignited excitement in the Bitcoin community, as Ulbricht's case became a symbol of the government's overreach in policing cryptocurrency and its users. Some believed that Ulbricht's pardon would signal a shift in the government's stance on cryptocurrencies, potentially leading to broader adoption and acceptance.
However, after taking office, Trump did not follow through on his promise. Ulbricht remains in prison, and there has been no indication that the government plans to pardon him. This has left many Bitcoiners feeling let down and betrayed.
Many Bitcoiners believe that the government's inaction is a sign of hypocrisy and a lack of understanding of the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. They argue that Ulbricht's conviction was unjust and that he deserves clemency. The broken promise has eroded trust between Bitcoiners and the government.
Critics maintain that Ulbricht committed serious crimes and that his pardon would set a dangerous precedent. They argue that his involvement with the Silk Road facilitated the drug trade and other illegal activities, and that he should not be rewarded for his actions.
Legal experts point out that presidential pardons are a complex matter and that Trump is not obligated to grant Ulbricht a pardon even if he promised to do so. They also note that the pardon process typically takes time and involves a thorough review of the case.
The broken promise has had a negative impact on Bitcoin's perception in the eyes of some investors. It has raised concerns about the government's willingness to regulate and enforce laws related to cryptocurrencies. This uncertainty may discourage potential investors from adopting Bitcoin, potentially hindering its growth and development.
Trump's "Free Ross Day One" promise was a major disappointment for the Bitcoin community. The broken promise has eroded trust and raised concerns about the government's stance on cryptocurrencies. While legal experts maintain that pardons are complex and take time, Bitcoiners believe that the government's inaction signals a lack of understanding and a hostility towards cryptocurrencies. The long-term impact of the broken promise on Bitcoin's adoption and growth remains to be seen.