The US is dropping prosecutions against crypto evangelists. Trump's new term demonstrates a positive turn toward the crypto community. At least, this is evidenced by a number of events.
Jesse Powell's case dismissed The trial against Jesse Powell, one of the founders of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, was recently dismissed. In 2023, the New York Times reported on an investigation into Powell's activities. Notably, the case was not related to the platform's activities, but rather to a $1 million donation to Verge, an organization dedicated to contemporary art. Now, all charges against Powell have been dropped, and he will continue his work at Kraken.
Pardoning Ross Ulbricht Trump also previously pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road marketplace, which accepted cryptocurrency payments. Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison. The Bitcoin evangelist has now been released.
Tornado Cash Case Positive momentum is also being seen in the Tornado Cash case, a cryptocurrency mixer whose developer, Roman Shtorm, is under investigation by the FBI. Roman's defense is preparing a motion to dismiss the case. It's worth noting that even Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Ethereum, has stepped in to defend the developer, donating 100 ETH to the campaign to defend him.
