Trump Weighs Pardon for Samourai Wallet Developer Amid Crypto Debate

Donald Trump said he would consider pardoning Keonne Rodriguez, Samourai Wallet co-founder, convicted for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The case has sparked debate over crypto privacy and regulation.

Donald Trump stated he would consider a pardon for Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of Samourai Wallet, who was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Rodriguez and William Hill, also convicted, developed a Bitcoin privacy tool accused by the Department of Justice of facilitating over $2 billion in unlawful transactions, including laundering criminal proceeds. Prosecutors presented evidence that the developers promoted their services to criminal users, with Rodriguez reportedly encouraging illicit use and describing the service as "money laundering for bitcoin." The case has sparked debate in the cryptocurrency community, with critics arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for privacy-focused crypto development. Trump’s comments, made during a press conference and Oval Office event, have reignited discussions about financial privacy, software development, and the future of crypto regulation. Rodriguez is set to begin his sentence soon, while Hill received a four-year term. The possibility of a pardon has drawn support from privacy advocates and major crypto policy groups.