Trump Signals Review of Samourai Wallet Developers’ Case as Pardon Calls Grow

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he is aware of the case involving Samourai Wallet developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, adding that “We’ll look at that” when asked about the developers’ legal situation.

Trump Says ‘We’ll Look at That’ When Asked About Samourai Wallet Developer

Support has gathered around Samourai Wallet developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, as advocates work to capture President Trump’s attention with the aim of pursuing pardons. On Monday, Decrypt senior writer Sander Lutz raised the prospect of a pardon while asking about the case of convicted Samourai Wallet developer Keonne Rodriguez.

Trump said, “I’ve heard about it, I’ll look at it,” then asked the reporter whether he wanted Rodriguez pardoned simply because he raised the question. He followed up by saying, “We’ll look at that, Pam,” as he turned to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The case has fueled debate around financial privacy, self-custody rights, and whether developers should bear liability for noncustodial tools, with frequent comparisons drawn to Tornado Cash.

The two were arrested in April 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice in the Southern District of New York, facing charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, as prosecutors alleged the app’s mixing service enabled more than $2 billion in illicit transactions and laundered over $100 million tied to dark web markets, hacks, and other criminal activity between 2015 and 2024. There are claims challenging the allegations, with critics disputing the prosecution’s case.

Also read: NYSE Accelerates Crypto’s Path to Mainstream Capital With Expanding Public Listings

After initially entering not-guilty pleas, both reached plea agreements in July 2025, admitting guilt to the unlicensed money transmission charge; Rodriguez was sentenced to the maximum five years in prison on Nov. 6, 2025, along with a $250,000 fine and three years of probation, while Hill was sentenced to four years later that same month. Trump’s administration has been kind to the crypto community and gave the Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht a full pardon just after he was inaugurated in January.

“I have always said that the most challenging aspect of getting a pardon for me and Bill would be getting the attention of Donald Trump. He is very busy with many people competing for his attention. Today, thanks to the journalist at Decrypt, the President is aware of our situation. This is a big step forward for #pardonsamourai,” Rodriguez wrote on Monday after the news went viral.

The Samourai Wallet dev added:

This President knows all about lawfare. He knows all about a weaponized Biden DOJ hunting down their political rivals. He knows the tactics and tricks they play. If he looks at our case closely it will be a case of deja vu, and I think he would do the right thing and grant us a pardon.

Whether the Samourai Wallet case ultimately draws clemency remains an open question, but the renewed attention places financial privacy, open-source development, and prosecutorial reach squarely back in the public eye. With President Trump signaling at least a willingness to review the matter, the outcome may hinge less on courtroom arguments and more on how the administration chooses to define accountability in an era where code, not custodians, increasingly sits at the center of financial infrastructure.

FAQ ⏱️

• What did President Trump say about the Samourai Wallet case?

President Trump said he is aware of the case involving Samourai Wallet developers and indicated his administration would review it.

• Who are the Samourai Wallet developers involved?

The case centers on Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, the developers behind the Samourai Wallet privacy-focused bitcoin application.

• Why are supporters seeking a pardon?

Advocates argue the prosecution raises concerns about financial privacy, self-custody, and developer liability for noncustodial software.

• What is the current status of the case?

Rodriguez has been sentenced to five years in prison, while Hill was sentenced later in Nov. 2025 following plea agreements.