Giving Credit Where It’s Due: Trump and the Silk Road Founder Pardon I Didn’t Expect

By Michael Kelman Portney

Just when you thought I couldn't possibly piss you off anymore… One thing that everybody knows about me: I think Donald Trump is a ridiculous, self-aggrandizing, dangerous buffoon. A walking pig's anus, with a Twitter history (or Truth Social history now, I guess) that reads like the fever dream of a conspiracy-loving, power-hungry toddler. He’s problematic for every reason in the book—hell, he wrote the book on problematic. And yet, here I am, about to do something I never thought I’d do: give him credit.

Yes, you read that right. Donald Trump did something I actually like.

The Pardon Heard ‘Round the Internet

Yesterday, Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, who has been rotting in prison for over a decade for creating what can only be described as the eBay of illicit substances. For those unfamiliar with the Silk Road, it was a platform where you could anonymously buy and sell, well, basically anything—mostly drugs. Think of it as Amazon Prime, but for psychedelics.

Now, on its face, this doesn’t seem like the kind of thing Trump would care about. The man seems more likely to declare war on Bitcoin than to pardon someone whose entire operation ran on it. But, lo and behold, here we are. Ross Ulbricht is free.

And I… don’t hate it.

Why This Pardon Hits Different

It’s not that I think Ross is some kind of hero. Let’s be clear: the Silk Road wasn’t a victimless operation. People overdosed on drugs bought through the platform. Lives were ruined. And while the allegations of murder-for-hire were unproven, the mere fact that they exist paints a pretty bleak picture.

But here’s the thing: life in prison? For creating a website? That always felt excessive. I mean, Bernie Madoff scammed people out of billions and didn’t get a life sentence. Bankers crash the economy, walk away with golden parachutes, and get invited to galas. But Ross? Ross dared to create a digital free market, and for that, they threw the book at him so hard it shattered his life.

Trump’s pardon acknowledges something that a lot of us have felt for years: the punishment didn’t fit the crime. It was a show trial, a “don’t mess with us” message from the government to the burgeoning crypto world. And while Trump likely framed this as a middle finger to the Justice Department for personal reasons (because of course he did), the outcome feels… right.

Why Am I Giving Trump Credit?

Let me be clear: I hate giving Trump credit for anything. It feels wrong. It feels dirty. Like I need to go take a shower and scrub my skin raw. But credit is due here, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that—even when it comes from someone I detest.

Maybe it’s because this pardon feels like an act of rebellion, and I’ve always had a soft spot for rebellion. Or maybe it’s because, in a strange way, it aligns with my own beliefs about justice, overreach, and the absurdity of the American legal system. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because Ross’s mom deserves to see her son walk free after 10 years of heartbreak.

Whatever the reason, I’m giving Trump a nod on this one.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t about absolving Trump of all his sins. Far from it. This is a man whose presidency was a masterclass in chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Pardoning Ross doesn’t erase the kids in cages, the botched pandemic response, or the countless other disasters that unfolded under his watch.

But here’s the thing: acknowledging this one act doesn’t make me a hypocrite. It makes me honest. And honesty is what this blog is all about.

So here’s to Ross Ulbricht, to second chances, and yes, to the surprising realization that even the most infuriating people can sometimes do something right.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rinse my mouth out. Saying something nice about Trump leaves a bad taste, no matter how justified it might be.