• Ross Ulbricht has thanked President Donald Trump for setting him free.
• Ulbricht described Trump as a man of his word.
• The dark web founder expressed gratitude to everyone involved in his release.

Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road dark web market, has publicly thanked President Donald Trump for granting him a full pardon after spending over 11 years in prison without parole. Ulbricht shared a video message on his X account, telling the public that Trump let him out of jail to become a free man again.

The erstwhile Silk Road personality described President Trump as a man of his word, considering his release as one of Trump’s promises during his presidential campaign. Ulbricht described his release as a second chance at freedom and an opportunity to reclaim his future.

Trump Fulfills Campaign Promise with Ulbricht’s Release

In the meantime, Ulbricht focused on the importance of being free, noting the significance of his release to everyone who loves freedom and played a role in his release. According to Ulbricht, his initial moves would be to reunite with his family and heal before re-engaging with the free world.

Related: Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht, Ending Life Sentence for Silk Road Crimes

Ulbricht wrote a letter to Thomas Massie, a US Representative for Kentucky’s 4th congressional district, last December after learning about Trump’s promise to release him from jail after his inauguration. The former dark web creator thanked Massie for participating in bringing about his freedom, highlighting his intention to support the politician in furthering the cause of freedom upon his release.

A New York court convicted Ulbricht in 2015 over charges of narcotics and money-laundering conspiracy, sentencing him to life in prison. Trump considered Ulbricht’s conviction a government overreach. Hence, his pardoning of the prisoner was one of the early moves in his new role as America’s President.

Related: Charles Hoskinson: Why Ulbricht’s Pardon Matters to Crypto

Trump Criticizes Government Actions Against Ulbricht

Trump was vocal in describing those behind Ulbricht’s incarceration, accusing them of involvement in the modern-day weaponization of government against him. The President described Ulbricht’s punishment of two life sentences plus 40 years as ridiculous.

For Ulbricht, the pardon marks the beginning of a new chapter, giving him the opportunity to rebuild his life and contribute to broader efforts supporting personal freedom.