During his campaign, President Donald Trump said he would release Ross Ulbricht from prison. Now, Polymarket betters are speculating
A single tweet from Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur, has ignited fresh hope for Ross Ulbricht. Ulbricht, the creator of Silk Road, is currently serving a life sentence in prison. In a recent X post, Musk claimed that Donald Trump, the 47th U.S. President, would grant clemency to Ulbricht during his first week back in office.
The post sent shockwaves through the online community and sparked intense discussions. Following Musk’s statement, the odds on the Polymarket betting platform surged to 95%. This dramatic shift was fueled by thousands of dollars pouring into the market as investors scrambled to place their bets.
Elon Musk’s Post Ignites Ross Ulbricht Speculation
Ross Ulbricht created Silk Road, a darknet marketplace for illegal goods, from 2011 to 2013. He was arrested in 2013, convicted of several crimes, and sentenced to life in prison in 2015.
Many believe his punishment is too harsh, with over 600,000 people signing a petition for release. His supporters, including libertarians and Bitcoin enthusiasts, view the Silk Road as a symbol of internet freedom.
On Monday night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk replied to a post on X, claiming, “Ross will be freed too.” His comment quickly stirred excitement in both political and crypto communities. His brief statement carried weight, not only because of his massive influence but also because of his close ties to President Trump.
Ross will be freed too
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025
Within hours, Polymarket, a decentralized prediction platform, registered an extraordinary rise in odds, climbing from 54% to 95%. The betting frenzy pushed the total volume on the pardon wager to $51,367.
This was not the only bet linked to Ulbricht. A separate market tracking pardons during Trump’s first 100 days in office now gives Ulbricht a 97% chance of clemency. Interestingly, more than $5 million in bets have already been placed on this outcome.
While the speculation continues, Ulbricht posted on X that he has no connection to any digital assets using his name. He made it clear there is no official “Ross coin.”
What Happens Next?
The possibility of clemency for Ulbricht is not new. Last year, Trump promised to commute his sentence if reelected, and Ulbricht thanked him on X. Since Trump’s return, there has been no official word on Ulbricht’s fate.
Musk’s recent tweet has brought attention to the issue, but there is no guarantee that Trump will act on it soon. The next few days could be critical for Ross Ulbricht. If Trump chooses to act, it could mark a major turning point in a case that has divided opinions for years.
Supporters hope clemency will reflect a more compassionate approach to justice, While critics argue that Ulbricht’s actions still warrant severe punishment. With Polymarket odds nearing 100% and Elon Musk adding fuel to the fire, the debate over Ulbricht’s clemency is more intense than ever.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment, financial, trading, or any other sort of advice. You should not treat any of BGECrypto’s content as such. BGEcrypto does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
