Gushiken Yona
Former President Donald J. Trump, in a striking and fervent address at the Libertarian National Convention, vowed to position the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency while pledging to commute the sentence of Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht if elected.
Promising to protect the rights of America’s 50 million crypto holders from governmental overreach and to keep regulatory advocates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren at bay, Trump rallied the crowd with a powerful commitment to financial freedom and innovation, underscoring his alignment with Libertarian values and his strategic bid to secure support from the growing crypto community.
Just days after his campaign announced it would accept cryptocurrency donations, including Shiba Inu and other digital assets, the former U.S. president made a resounding declaration of support for the crypto industry at the Libertarian National Convention. Trump’s speech was a loud and clear endorsement of financial innovation and freedom, as he promised to prevent the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and to support the rights of millions of crypto holders.
“I will ensure that the future of crypto and Bitcoin will be made in the USA,” Trump declared, emphasizing his commitment to fostering a thriving environment for cryptocurrency companies. “Our country must be the leader in the field,” highlighting his alignment with the Libertarian principles of financial freedom and minimal government intervention.
Trump also addressed the broader regulatory landscape, assuring attendees that he would keep “Elizabeth Warren and her goons” away from their Bitcoin. This promise resonated strongly with those wary of increased government regulation in the crypto space. “I will support the right to self-custody for the nation’s 50 million crypto holders,” he affirmed, highlighting his dedication to protecting individual financial sovereignty.
Trump’s speech took a dramatic turn when he promised to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road marketplace, if elected. This announcement was strategically timed to galvanize support from the Libertarian audience, many of whom view Ulbricht’s life sentence as a severe overreach of government power.
“If you vote for me, I will free Ross Ulbricht,” Trump stated plainly, turning a moment of booing into an eruption of cheers from the crowd. The former president demonstrated a keen understanding of his audience, leveraging the “Free Ross” movement to gain favor among Libertarian voters.
Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road online marketplace, was handed a life sentence in 2015. The court cited six deaths from drugs bought on the darknet website and five people he tried to have killed.
Trump’s address at the Libertarian National Convention marks a significant moment in the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency. By aligning himself with the principles of financial freedom and limited government, Trump is making a strategic play to secure votes from the growing community of crypto enthusiasts.
