Elon Musk Weighs Pardon for Bitcoin Jesus after Trump
Elon Musk considers pardoning Roger Ver, known as Bitcoin Jesus, amid growing calls for justice following Ross Ulbricht’s clemency.
In Brief:
- Elon Musk’s Role in Clemency Efforts
- Musk’s commitment to exploring a pardon for Roger Ver and its implications.
- Roger Ver’s Legal Battles Explained
- Overview of tax evasion allegations and claims of attorney-client privilege violations.
- Crypto Community’s Advocacy for Ver’s Pardon
- Key supporters, including Ray Youssef and Naomi Brockwell, rallying behind Ver’s case.
- Parallels Between Ver and Ulbricht’s Cases
- Comparing systemic overreach and sentencing in both high-profile crypto cases.
- Impact on Privacy and Innovation in Crypto
- How Ver’s pardon could reinforce privacy, due process, and freedom in the cryptocurrency space.
Elon Musk, who heads President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.), has pledged to consider the pardon of ‘Bitcoin Jesus’ Roger Ver.
It comes after US President Trump granted clemency to the Silk Road’s founder, Ross Ulbricht.
Elon Musk to “Inquire” About Bitcoin Jesus Roger Ver’s Pardon
Ross Ulbricht’s presidential pardon has sparked a fervent internet campaign to pardon Roger Ver, another well-known person in the cryptocurrency world. Ulbricht’s full and unconditional pardon on Tuesday was highly welcomed. Trump described his earlier punishment of two life terms as “ridiculous.”
During the joyous talks, however, the focus rapidly switched to Bitcoin Jesus. Ray Youssef, an executive of the cryptocurrency platform Noonesapp, was among the first to advocate Ver’s release.
“Ross is free. A full unconditional pardon has been signed. Thank God. Don’t forget Roger Ver and all the builders who have been through hell,” Youssef said.”
Roger Ver was an outspoken supporter of Bitcoin Cash and an early adopter of Bitcoin. He was in legal difficulties over tax evasion claims. Nine months earlier, US authorities accused Ver of owing $48 million in taxes, purportedly due to his expatriation process.
Ver contested these claims two months ago, claiming that he relied on competent counsel to ensure conformity with the law. His defense also claimed constitutional issues, such as confidential contacts with his legal team being subpoenaed. Critics contend that this overreach sets a disturbing precedent for attorney-client confidentiality.
Naomi Brockwell, founder of Ludlow Institute, said:
“Please look into a pardon for Roger Ver. That privileged communications with his lawyers were subpoenaed is a terrible precedent for privacy and the ability to defend oneself,”
Meanwhile, Angela McArdle, chair of the Libertarian National Committee, expressed her support for Ver’s release. They also claim that possibly exculpatory information was concealed during grand jury sessions. Elon Musk indicated he would look into it after these calls.
Musk tweeted “Will inquire,”
Ver’s supporters say that a pardon would address a perceived injustice while also reinforcing the ideals of privacy and fair process. The parallels to Ulbricht’s case show the risks of excessive sentence and systemic government overreach. Together, these have fueled requests for Ver’s pardon.
Elon Musk’s acknowledgment of the issue has refocused attention on the case, potentially strengthening the call for clemency. Many people believe that his platform, D.O.G.E, and influence will put pressure on leaders to change what they regard as an unjust precedent.
This is part of a larger push for cryptocurrency-related liberties that are critical to innovation and prosperity.
Bret Weinstein lamented
“Roger Ver deserves a pardon to liberate him from the malicious prosecution he still faces–lawfare that threatens to take his freedom for 109 years for an exotic crime he *clearly* did not commit. Pardoning Roger is the strongest signal the President could send that Biden’s war on crypto is over. Please, President Trump, Free Roger Ver,”
Others consider Bitcoin Jesus’ case as an example of the conflict between individual liberty and state power.
Another user added.
“Also (preemptively) Roman Storm while you’re at it please Elon Musk. Publishing open-source privacy tools is an act of free speech — not an act in furtherance of a conspiracy. Whatever crimes committed with the software — developers should not be held vicariously liable for them.”
The growing calls for Roger Ver’s pardon highlight deep concerns over justice, privacy, and government overreach in the crypto space. Elon Musk’s acknowledgment brings renewed hope for clemency, potentially setting a precedent for fairness. Advocates believe freeing Bitcoin Jesus reinforces principles vital to innovation and liberty in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
