After pardoning Ross Ulbricht, speculation increases about whether the new president will grant clemency to Roger Ver, a pivotal figure in Bitcoin’s early rise.
Ulbricht Pardoned, Roger Ver Now in the Spotlight
This article was published more than a year ago. Some information may no longer be current.
WRITTEN BY
SHARE
In the wake of Elon Musk’s recent acknowledgment of and seeming interest in advocating for a presidential pardon for Roger Ver, the cryptocurrency community is abuzz with speculation regarding potential clemency from newly elected President Donald Trump. Ver, often referred to as “ Bitcoin Jesus,” has faced significant legal challenges, including a federal indictment for alleged tax evasion and fraud.
Trump Signals Crypto Policy Shift: Is Roger Ver Next?
Trump recently fulfilled a campaign promise by pardoning Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, which has led many to wonder if Ver might be next on the list. The president’s administration has not yet made any official statements regarding Musk’s request or Ver’s situation specifically.
On January 21, 2025, Musk stated on social media that he would bring up with President Trump the possibility of pardoning Ver. Musk’s influence could play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and potentially swaying political considerations regarding Ver’s case.
Speculation about further potential Trump pardons has intensified. According to betting markets like Polymarket, Ver’s chances jumped from 29% to a 33% chance that Trump will grant clemency to Ver within his first 100 days in office. Ulbricht’s pardon and the fact that Elon commented on Ver most likely account for the odds.
Ver’s case has garnered support from prominent figures, including Tucker Carlson, Roger Stone, Bret Weinstein, Michael Malice, and more. A petition advocating for an end to what supporters describe as an unjust prosecution has amassed over 28,000 signatures. Meanwhile, Ver’s legal team is actively contesting the indictment, arguing that the charges violate his rights and that U.S. tax laws were unclear at the time he engaged in his cryptocurrency activities.
As developments unfold regarding Roger Ver’s legal battles and potential pardon by President Trump, the intersection of cryptocurrency advocacy and politics remains a focal point for the crypto industry because, for the first time, it’s clear that the U.S. government will adjust from its antagonism towards crypto to one of cooperation.
Trump made many promises during his campaign, as presidential candidates always do. Just two days into office, he’s already delivering on some of them with his pardon of Ulbricht and staunch crypto advocate Hester Peirce leading a crypto task force. It would be great if he continued this by freeing Roger Ver.
