At the Bitcoin Conference 2024 in Nashville, former President Donald Trump made a significant announcement, pledging to commute Ross Ulbricht's sentence if he wins a second term.
He emphasized that this case would be a top priority from his first day in office.
Trump’s promise to pardon Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, imprisoned since 2013, received a warm reception from the conference attendees. Ulbricht has previously expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, hoping for a chance at freedom.
David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, had earlier stated that any presidential candidate looking for the crypto community’s support should commit to Ulbricht’s release. This sentiment was echoed by other political figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In his speech, Trump detailed an ambitious plan to establish the US as the leading nation in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
His agenda includes firing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler within the first 100 days, launching Operation Chokepoint, and opposing the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). He also emphasized the importance of protecting individuals’ rights to self-custody of digital assets.
Trump proposed the creation of a unified Bitcoin vault, aiming to establish a Strategic National Bitcoin Reserve.
An international arrest warrant has been requested for Hayden Davis, co-creator of the LIBRA token, which became the center of a major political scandal in Argentina.
Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple, suffered a significant financial blow in 2024 when he lost over $661 million worth of XRP due to a security breach in the password management system LastPass.
Venture capitalist and Mission Gate founder George Bachiashvili is now facing imprisonment in Georgia after a court revoked his bail.
Hackers have exploited a vulnerability in DeFi aggregator 1inch’s resolver smart contract, leading to losses of over $5 million, according to blockchain security firm SlowMist.