Ross Ulbricht Shares His Story of Perseverance & Highlights Wins Under Trump's Leadership - 09/10/26

Ross Ulbricht on Prison, Freedom, and Civil Liberties

Ross Ulbricht described spending more than 11 years in prison after what he characterized as a corrupt federal investigation, despite being a first-time offender. He credited his wife, mother, supporters in the libertarian and Bitcoin communities, and other Americans with keeping his case in the public eye. He thanked President Trump for pardoning him the day after taking office, fulfilling a campaign promise.

Ulbricht said his experience in prison taught him that government powers intended to protect people can be turned against those who have harmed no one, including political opponents. He argued that freedom and security are both necessary: security without freedom can become oppression, while freedom without security leaves people vulnerable to crime.

Trump’s Record on Civil Liberties

Ulbricht defended Trump’s record on civil liberties, arguing that the president had continued to pursue the cause of freedom. He cited:

• Pardons and releases, including for mechanics prosecuted over truck modifications.
• Efforts to reduce criminal penalties arising from regulations.
• Actions he said addressed banks denying service based on customers’ beliefs or Bitcoin use.
• Efforts concerning social-media censorship, burdensome rules for gun dealers, and the use of counterterrorism tools against parents speaking at school meetings.
• A forthcoming policy giving parents more say in school choice.
• Expanded access to a drug he said had been criminalized for decades, including for veterans and people with severe injuries.

Ulbricht concluded that more work remained, but said Trump had placed rights and freedoms at the center of his administration. He thanked the president and the audience.

Presenter/contributor: Ross Ulbricht