Trump Says He Will “Look Into” Samourai Wallet Convictions

Trump Says He Will “Look Into” Samourai Wallet Convictions

US President Donald Trump has indicated he will review the case of Samourai Wallet co-founder Keonne Rodriguez, suggesting a potential reassessment of one of the most controversial crypto-related prosecutions in recent years.

When asked about the case during a White House press conference focused on the US–Mexico border, Trump responded:

“I’ve heard about it. I’ll look at it… Let’s take a look at it.”

The remarks were made publicly during a live-streamed event at the White House

Watch the full press conference:

https://www.youtube.com/live/EfAbtXzo8Zk

Background: Samourai Wallet Sentencing

Rodriguez and fellow Samourai Wallet co-founder William Lonergan Hill were sentenced on Nov. 19 to five years and four years in prison, respectively. The charges stemmed from their involvement in operating the Bitcoin privacy-focused wallet and mixing protocol.

The pair ultimately pleaded guilty in July to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, after initially pleading not guilty. Prosecutors had previously sought much harsher penalties, including charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering that could have resulted in up to 25 years in prison.

Privacy Advocates Push Back on Developer Liability

The Samourai case has become a rallying point for crypto privacy advocates and open-source developers, who argue that software creators should not be held responsible for how third parties use their tools.

Supporters frequently compare the case to that of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, warning that criminalizing privacy software could chill innovation across decentralized finance and Bitcoin infrastructure.

Rodriguez: “The Noise Is Working”

With his prison sentence set to begin this week, Rodriguez said public pressure appears to be making an impact.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Thank you to everyone pushing Donald Trump to pardon Bill and me. Let’s get this over the line.”

Rodriguez expanded on this optimism during an interview with Bitcoin journalist Natalie Brunell, stating he believes Trump may be receptive once the facts are clearly presented.

Watch the interview clip:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1999484445502357926

Rodriguez also suggested Trump’s own clashes with the Department of Justice could influence his view of the case.

Appeals Unlikely After Plea Deal

Rodriguez acknowledged that a traditional appeal is unlikely, noting that his plea agreement may have included a waiver of appeal rights. He explained that the decision to plead guilty was largely financial and strategic.

According to Rodriguez, continuing the fight could have meant five years in prison awaiting appeal, combined with millions of dollars in additional legal fees, with no guarantee of success.

Trump’s Track Record on Crypto Pardons

Trump’s comments are notable given his recent history of granting clemency to prominent crypto figures:

• Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder of Binance, was pardoned in October after pleading guilty to AML violations

• Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, received a full pardon in January, ending his life sentence

These decisions have reinforced perceptions that Trump may be open to revisiting high-profile crypto-related convictions.

Why This Case Matters for Crypto

The Samourai Wallet case sits at the intersection of financial privacy, open-source development, and regulatory overreach. A presidential pardon would not only impact Rodriguez and Hill personally but could also set a powerful precedent for how the US treats developers of privacy-preserving tools.

As Trump reviews the case, the outcome may help define the future legal boundaries for crypto infrastructure builders operating in the United States.