Potential Pardon Raises Fresh Debate Over Crypto Privacy and Software Liability
US President Donald Trump has indicated he will review the case of Samourai Wallet co-founder Keonne Rodriguez, opening the door to a possible presidential pardon following the developer’s recent conviction. When questioned publicly, Trump stated he had “heard about it” and would “look into” the matter, without committing to a specific outcome.
Rodriguez and fellow Samourai Wallet co-founder William Lonergan Hill were sentenced in November to five and four years in prison, respectively. The convictions stem from their involvement in operating a cryptocurrency mixing protocol, with prosecutors alleging the service functioned as an unlicensed money-transmitting business. Both founders initially faced charges that carried potential sentences of up to 25 years in prison before agreeing to plea deals.
Privacy advocates argue the case sets a dangerous precedent, claiming developers should not be held criminally responsible for how third parties use open-source software. The case has become a rallying point for those concerned about the future of financial privacy tools in crypto.
Rodriguez has publicly stated that continued public pressure appears to be gaining traction, noting that a conventional appeal is unlikely due to the terms of his plea agreement. He maintains the prosecution reflects an aggressive interpretation of money transmission laws.
Trump’s willingness to revisit the case follows his recent high-profile pardons of major crypto figures, reinforcing speculation that crypto-related convictions tied to regulatory overreach may receive renewed scrutiny under his administration.
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