What Is Trump's Stance on Pardoning Samourai Wallet Developer Keonne Rodriguez?

President Donald Trump stated he would “look at” a potential pardon for Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder and developer of the Samourai Wallet Bitcoin privacy tool, directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the request. This comes just days before Rodriguez is scheduled to report to prison on December 20 to begin a five-year sentence for operating what the Department of Justice (DOJ) classified as an unlicensed money transmitter. The case, which also involved co-founder William Hill, has sparked significant debate among privacy advocates who argue it sets a dangerous precedent that chills innovation in essential cryptocurrency privacy tools within the United States. For those searching Bitcoin privacy tools 2025, Samourai Wallet case updates, and Trump crypto pardons, this development highlights evolving U.S. policy toward digital asset developers under the new administration.

What Led to Keonne Rodriguez’s Conviction and Upcoming Sentence?

Rodriguez and Hill were indicted in April 2024 for developing Samourai Wallet, a non-custodial Bitcoin mixer and privacy-focused mobile application that allowed users to enhance transaction anonymity through features like Whirlpool and Ricochet. The DOJ alleged the tool facilitated over $100 million in illicit transactions, charging the developers with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and money laundering conspiracy. Rodriguez pleaded guilty in 2025 to the unlicensed operation charge, resulting in a five-year prison term, while broader privacy community concerns focus on the implications for open-source code and self-custody tools.

• Indictment Date: April 2024.
• Charges: Unlicensed money transmission; alleged facilitation of criminal activity.
• Guilty Plea: Rodriguez accepted responsibility for operation without license.
• Sentence Start: Scheduled December 20, 2025.
• Co-Defendant: William Hill faced similar charges.

Trump’s Response and Directive to Attorney General Pam Bondi

In remarks on December 16, Trump acknowledged awareness of the Samourai case and expressed openness to reviewing a pardon request, instructing newly confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi to examine the matter. This aligns with the administration’s pro-crypto stance, including promises to support Bitcoin mining, end “Operation Choke Point 2.0,” and foster innovation—contrasting with prior DOJ actions under the Biden era. Privacy advocates view potential clemency as a signal of regulatory relief for developers building tools that protect financial privacy on public blockchains.

• Trump Quote: Indicated he would “look at” the pardon.
• Bondi Directive: Investigate the request promptly.
• Timing Sensitivity: Days before Rodriguez’s prison reporting date.
• Policy Context: Fits broader crypto-friendly agenda.
• Advocacy Push: Community campaigns highlighted case’s chilling effects.

Why Privacy Advocates Say the Samourai Case Chills Crypto Innovation

Critics argue the prosecution criminalizes code itself, deterring U.S.-based development of privacy-enhancing technologies essential for Bitcoin’s fungibility and user protection against surveillance. Tools like Samourai enable coinjoins and obfuscation without custody, features advocates compare to cash anonymity or VPNs. The case has already prompted some developers to relocate offshore, raising concerns about America’s competitiveness in blockchain technology amid global privacy tool growth.

• Chilling Effect: Reduced open-source contributions to privacy protocols.
• Code vs. Crime: Debate over liability for non-custodial software.
• Comparative Tools: Similar to Tornado Cash sanctions precedent.
• Innovation Risk: Potential exodus of talent from U.S. jurisdiction.
• Fundamental Privacy: Seen as vital for blockchain’s censorship resistance.

Broader Implications for Bitcoin Privacy Tools and U.S. Crypto Policy

A potential pardon could signal a reset in DOJ approach to non-custodial privacy software, encouraging domestic development and aligning with administration goals for U.S. leadership in digital assets. Conversely, upholding the sentence might reinforce strict licensing requirements for mixer-like features. The case intersects with ongoing debates around financial privacy, self-custody wallets, and regulatory boundaries in decentralized finance.

• Policy Shift Potential: Pardon as olive branch to crypto community.
• Developer Confidence: Could restore faith in U.S.-based innovation.
• Privacy vs. Compliance: Balancing AML with technological freedom.
• Global Context: Other nations advancing privacy tech amid U.S. caution.
• Watch Points: Bondi’s review outcome and any executive action.

In summary, President Trump’s December 16, 2025, statement that he will “look at” pardoning Samourai Wallet developer Keonne Rodriguez—tasking Attorney General Pam Bondi with investigation—offers hope days before the five-year sentence begins. Amid concerns from privacy advocates about innovation chill from the DOJ case, this development could mark a turning point in U.S. crypto policy. Monitor official statements, DOJ updates, and privacy advocacy channels for progress—approaching blockchain privacy tools with awareness of legal landscapes and secure practices.