Former President Donald Trump is planning to announce at the Libertarian National Convention that he intends to commute the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the operator of the “Silk Road” website. Ulbricht was sentenced to life in federal prison in 2015 for creating and operating the hidden website where people bought and sold drugs and other illegal goods and services. Many libertarians have called for Ulbricht’s release, with the crowd at the convention filled with “Free Ross” signs and chants in support of him.
However, Trump’s previous comments about drug dealers, including his stance that the death penalty should be instituted for certain drug dealers depending on the severity of the crime, seem to be in conflict with his planned announcement regarding Ulbricht. Former U.S. attorney for Manhattan Preet Bharara, who was in office when Ulbricht was sentenced, stated that Ulbricht’s actions contributed to at least six deaths and called him a “drug dealer and criminal profiteer.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement also noted that Silk Road was used by thousands of drug dealers and other vendors to distribute illegal drugs and other goods to buyers as well as launder hundreds of millions of dollars.
During the convention, the audience was hostile towards mentions of Trump, with Vivek Ramaswamy being booed when he brought up the former president. However, one Libertarian Party member received cheers for suggesting that they tell Trump to “go f— himself.” Despite the mixed reactions from the crowd, a Trump campaign official stated that the former president is aiming to show that he can be a president for all Americans by attending the convention and making an announcement that may appeal to nontraditional Republican voters.
The Libertarian National Convention is being held at the Washington Hilton hotel in D.C., where Trump is expected to make his announcement regarding Ulbricht’s potential commutation. This move has sparked debate and discussion among attendees, with libertarians split on their opinions of the former president. While many support the idea of commuting Ulbricht’s sentence, others question the motives behind Trump’s decision and whether it aligns with his previous statements on drug dealers. The convention serves as a platform for discussion and potential shifts in party dynamics as attendees react to Trump’s presence and announcement.
