Ross Ulbricht, the imprisoned founder of Silk Road, expressed profound gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his promise to commute Ulbricht's sentence "on day one" of a potential new Trump administration if reelected.

In a statement released on Monday, Ulbricht conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Trump, emphasizing the immense impact of the promise on his outlook after spending 11 years behind bars. "After 11 years in prison, it is hard to express how I feel at this moment. It is thanks to your undying support that I may get a second chance," Ulbricht expressed.

Trump's pledge came during a speech at the Libertarian Party's national convention in Washington DC on Saturday, where he received a mixed reception from the crowd. Despite facing boos and jeers during parts of his speech, Trump's announcement regarding Ulbricht's potential commutation was met with widespread approval and cheers, with attendees displaying "Free Ross" signs and chanting in support of Ulbricht's release.

In addition to addressing Ulbricht's case, Trump also made commitments regarding the future of cryptocurrency, pledging to ensure that crypto development remains "made in the USA" and voicing support for self-custody. He also assured the crowd of his intention to protect Bitcoin from interference by political figures like Elizabeth Warren.

Trump's consideration of pardoning Ulbricht during his previous administration had sparked anticipation, but his term concluded without granting Ulbricht clemency, leaving Ulbricht serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Ulbricht was convicted for his involvement in creating and operating Silk Road, a dark web marketplace notorious for facilitating the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services, utilizing Bitcoin for transactions.

Ulbricht's expression of hope for a "second chance" following Trump's promise underscores the ongoing debate surrounding his case and the potential implications of his release on the broader conversation surrounding digital currency and criminal justice reform.