On January 20, 2025, President Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the convicted founder of Silk Road, citing disproportionate sentencing and aligning with Libertarian values. Ulbricht, serving a life sentence since 2015 for managing a dark web marketplace linked to illicit activities, saw activists long campaign for his release, arguing his conviction exemplified government overreach. Trump's decision fulfills a prior campaign promise, enhancing his support from the Libertarian movement. Trump also pardoned numerous other individuals, including participants of the January 6 Capitol riot, on his first day back in office.