Bitcoin News Today: Trump Weighs Pardon for Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Amid Crypto Privacy Debate

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a potential review of the case against Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of the Samourai Wallet, a Bitcoin privacy tool. At a press conference on Monday, Trump said he would examine the situation, stating, "I've heard about it. I'll look at it." Rodriguez faces a five-year prison sentence following a conviction for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business according to reports.

The case has drawn significant attention from the crypto community, with advocates pushing for a pardon. Rodriguez tweeted his gratitude for the attention, writing, "Your continued noise is working. Thank you to everyone pushing @realDonaldTrump to pardon Bill and me." The developer was part of a broader federal investigation into cryptocurrency mixing services, which the Department of Justice alleged facilitated over $2 billion in illicit transactions.

Trump's comments follow a broader shift in his administration's approach to cryptocurrency. He has pledged to defend financial privacy and reverse what he described as the "anti-crypto crusade" of the previous administration. The potential pardon could reinforce these promises and signal a more favorable regulatory climate for crypto developers.

The case against Rodriguez and co-founder William Hill centers on the operation of Samourai Wallet's mixing services, including Whirlpool and Ricochet. These tools were designed to obscure the origins of funds used in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice argued that the developers actively promoted their services to criminal users, describing the mixing process as "money laundering for Bitcoin." Court documents revealed that the pair marketed the tools on darknet forums, directly responding to users seeking ways to anonymize their transactions.

Critics of the prosecution argue that the case sets a dangerous precedent for the cryptocurrency industry. The charges were limited to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, while more serious allegations were dropped. Some legal analysts have questioned the strength of the government's case, noting that the conviction may not have fully established criminal intent.

Trump's willingness to consider a pardon for Rodriguez and Hill aligns with his broader pro-crypto stance. The administration has already moved to roll back restrictions on the industry, including the removal of crypto warnings by the Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC. These moves have signaled a more open approach to digital assets, encouraging innovation and financial privacy.

A pardon could further cement this shift, potentially influencing the treatment of other crypto-related cases, including those involving Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm. The outcome of the Samourai Wallet case may set a precedent for how the administration defines accountability in the development of privacy-enhancing tools, particularly as the debate over self-custody and financial autonomy continues.

The news has sparked a mix of reactions from the crypto community and investors. Supporters see the potential pardon as a step toward regulatory clarity and reduced legal risks for developers. Critics, however, remain concerned about the broader implications of clemency for privacy-focused technologies, particularly in terms of law enforcement and anti-money laundering efforts.

On the market side, Bitcoin has seen mixed performance, trading near $86,000 as of publication. While the potential pardon has not directly impacted prices, the broader regulatory environment continues to shape investor sentiment. With more clarity expected in 2026, particularly as MSCI considers whether to exclude crypto-focused firms from its indices, market participants remain closely watching developments according to market analysis.