On his first day back in office, former US President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road online marketplace.

Ulbricht was serving two life sentences without the possibility of parole after being convicted in 2015 on charges including money laundering, conspiracy, and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.

The Silk Road platform, operational from 2011 to 2013, facilitated over $214 million in transactions involving illegal drugs and other illicit services, primarily using the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

The US Department of Justice described Silk Road as a hub for criminal activity, noting that some users died from drugs purchased on the site.

Prosecutors argued that Ulbricht, under the pseudonym 'Dread Pirate Roberts,' took extensive measures to protect the operation, including alleged involvement in soliciting assassinations, though there was no evidence that any such acts were carried out.

President Trump's decision to pardon Ulbricht not only fulfills a campaign promise but also responds to pressure from advocacy groups, including the Libertarian Party, which has criticized Ulbricht's sentencing as excessive.

Trump's administration had previously indicated a desire to shift regulatory approaches established during President Joe Biden's tenure, particularly concerning the cryptocurrency sector.

Ulbricht, who was held at a federal prison in Arizona, now awaits release following Trump’s personal phone call to his mother announcing the pardon.

Ulbricht's attorney, Joshua Dratel, expressed gratitude for the decision, emphasizing that it corrects an injustice and allows Ulbricht a chance for future productivity.

Trump's inaugural actions included a sweeping set of executive decisions, underscoring a stark policy reversal from the previous administration.

These decisions included withdrawing the US from international accords such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization.

Trump has also initiated plans for a stringent border security strategy and announced major revisions to immigration policies established under Biden.

On the international stage, Trump signaled intentions to address ongoing geopolitical conflicts, notably mentioning the protracted war in Ukraine.

Trump's remarks about seeking discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasize his administration's focus on foreign policy issues, as he vows to refocus US military efforts.

Additionally, Trump's commitment to shake up US domestic policies was evident with immediate revocations of former President Biden’s executive actions, encompassing environmental and equity-focused initiatives.

His administration aims to restore capital punishment and mandate gender identification alignments on official documents.

These actions are expected to face numerous legal challenges.

The pardon of Ross Ulbricht stands among Trump's significant legal and political maneuvers on a day characterized by a flurry of executive orders and contentious policy announcements.