The Tom Woods Show Ep. 2599 Angela McArdle on How the Ross Ulbricht Pardon Happened
Jan 30, 2025
Angela McArdle, former chair of the Libertarian National Committee, discusses her pivotal role in the pardon of Ross Ulbricht. She shares the emotional journey and strategic negotiations that led to this historic moment. The conversation highlights community support and the intersection of Ulbricht's case with libertarian advocacy, particularly during the politically charged environment of an election year. Angela also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating within the Libertarian Party while striving for justice and reentry support for those affected.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dinner at Mar-a-Lago
- Angela McArdle recounts her initial meeting with Rick Grinnell, a Trump ally, which sparked the effort to free Ross Ulbricht.
- This led to a dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where McArdle proposed freeing Ulbricht as a way to garner libertarian support.
Inviting Non-Libertarian Figures
- McArdle explains her strategy of inviting non-libertarian figures like Trump and RFK Jr. to the Libertarian Party convention.
- She aimed to gain broader attention and relevance for the party, recognizing that typical libertarian nominees don't attract widespread interest.
Public Pardon Announcement
- McArdle recalls Trump's unexpected public announcement of Ulbricht's pardon, rather than burying it among other orders.
- She believes this demonstrates Trump's recognition of the issue's importance and his gratitude for libertarian support.