Rodriguez Cites Past Trump Pardons in Appeal
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Rodriguez’s plea references previous Trump pardons for crypto figures, including Binance’s Changpeng “CZ” Zhao and Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. He emphasized similar language that was effective in past applications, framing his prosecution as politically motivated. While Trump previously said he would “take a look” at Rodriguez’s situation, it’s unclear whether a formal pardon request has been submitted.
Crypto users and industry observers are watching Rodriguez’s pardon appeal closely. Polymarket data shows users have not yet been able to bet on the odds of Trump pardoning Rodriguez, though Trump ally Steve Bannon currently holds the highest speculative odds at 9%. Rodriguez framed his plea as a defense of innovation and liberty, positioning himself and Hill as victims of an administration-led “weaponization of justice.”