With U.S. President Donald Trump granting clemency to Ross Ulbricht, online discussions have sparked a wave of discussions about whether Trump might extend a similar pardon to Roger Ver. Social media platforms and forums have been abuzz with the topic, even prompting a response from X owner Elon Musk, who stated he would “inquire” when asked about Ver’s situation.
Elon Musk Promises to ‘Inquire’ About Roger Ver’s Freedom Amid Growing Momentum
Jan. 21, 2025, marked a pivotal moment as President Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road. Trump described Ulbricht’s sentencing—two life terms plus an additional 40 years—as “ridiculous.” The announcement has ignited widespread celebration across social media, where users have fervently debated the possibility of Trump pardoning Roger Ver, widely known in cryptocurrency circles as “Bitcoin Jesus.”
Critics of the government’s case against Ver have long argued that it exemplifies egregious government overreach. Ver faced charges of tax evasion brought by U.S. authorities, but there were blatant constitutional violations, including the improper acquisition of attorney-client-privileged communications and the withholding of potentially exculpatory evidence during grand jury proceedings. Ver has consistently defended his actions, asserting that he relied on legal and tax experts to ensure compliance with intricate tax regulations during his expatriation.
In the aftermath of Ulbricht’s pardon, an increasing number of posts have surfaced, focusing on the possibility of extending a comparable pardon to Roger Ver. Ray Youssef, the founder of Noones, passionately declared, “Ross is free. A full unconditional pardon has been signed. Thank God. Don’t forget Roger Ver and all the builders who have been thru hell.” The widely followed voluntaryist X account, Rothmus, also raised the question of freeing Roger Ver, prompting a response from Elon Musk to the post.
When Rothmus stated, “Roger Ver too,” Elon Musk, the owner of X, succinctly, said, “Will inquire.” Reacting to Musk’s comment, Naomi Brockwell of the Ludlow Institute implored, “Please please please look into a pardon for Roger Ver. That is privileged communications with his lawyers were subpoenaed is a terrible precedent for privacy and the ability to defend oneself.” Angela McArdle, chair of the Libertarian National Committee, responded to Musk and stated:
Thank you so much! We need to get Roger Free
Roger Ver’s case highlights a profound clash between individual liberty and state overreach. A pardon would not only rectify a miscarriage of justice but also reaffirm the principles of due process and privacy, which are essential to a free society. Musk’s inquiry could amplify this cause, signaling a broader shift toward accountability and ethical governance.
Trump’s clemency for Ulbricht marked a bold rejection of excessive punishment and systemic government abuses. Extending the same to Ver would resonate as a powerful affirmation of justice and human dignity. It is hopeful that Musk’s platform and influence will bring this issue into sharper focus, urging leaders to dismantle unjust precedents and champion the freedoms foundational to peaceful cooperation and prosperity.
