- RFK Jr. promises to pardon Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, if elected President.
- He criticizes Ulbricht’s life sentences, deeming them harsh for running an e-commerce platform.
- RFK Jr. has a history of supporting blockchain technology and Bitcoin initiatives.
Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on social media that he would pardon Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, if elected in November. Kennedy criticized the severity of Ulbricht’s two life sentences, describing his actions as merely running an e-commerce platform. He also shared a petition advocating for Ulbricht’s release.
Blockchain Support and Cryptocurrency Stance
Kennedy’s support for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies extends beyond his campaign promises. In 2023, he suggested backing the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin and eliminating capital gains tax on the digital asset to stabilize the overprinted currency. He also disclosed purchasing Bitcoin for each of his seven children, reinforcing his commitment by stating, “I’m going to put my money where my mouth is.”
Kennedy opposes the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), citing privacy concerns and the flaws in the traditional banking system. His stance aligns with former President Trump, who has also voiced opposition to CBDCs.
Transparency and Accountability
Kennedy has proposed placing the entire U.S. fiscal budget on the blockchain for unmatched transparency and efficiency. This proposal stands out as no other U.S. politician has made such a bold move.
Pardoning American dissidents has become a trending topic for the 2024 election. Alongside RFK Jr., former President Trump and former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have also expressed intentions to pardon individuals like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden.
Ramaswamy, who has endorsed Trump, indicated that he would pardon non-violent prisoners, including Assange and Ulbricht, if he had won the election. Trump has also hinted at considering pardons for these individuals if re-elected.
Kennedy’s promise to pardon Ulbricht, Assange, and Snowden reflects his ongoing commitment to addressing what he views as injustices in the current legal system.
