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.
Loopscale, a decentralized finance platform built on Solana, was forced to pause its lending operations after a major security breach led to losses of around $5.8 million.
Alex Mashinsky, co-founder and former CEO of the defunct crypto lending platform Celsius, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2025, following his guilty plea to two federal criminal charges late last year.
A decentralized exchange targeted in a multi-million-dollar exploit has recovered its losses just days after the incident, thanks to an unexpected twist involving the hacker themselves.
A recent cyberattack targeting a UK government official’s social media account has highlighted ongoing concerns over digital impersonation and crypto scams.