In a surprising turn of events, Marla Maples, the second ex-wife of Donald Trump, has publicly called for authorities to drop charges against Roger Ver, the early Bitcoin advocate known as “Bitcoin Jesus.”
On March 16, Maples posted on X, sharing a video that urged the dismissal of the case against Ver. She tagged Trump, Elon Musk, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, amplifying the growing debate over Ver’s legal battle.
“Sharing more re the call to dismiss the prosecution against Roger Ver,” Maples wrote.
With tax fraud and mail fraud allegations looming over Ver, Maples’ intervention adds an unexpected twist to the case. But why is she stepping in, and could this influence Trump’s stance?
The Case Against Roger Ver
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Ver in April 2024 with:
- Mail fraud
- Tax evasion
- Filing false tax returns
Authorities allege that when Ver renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014, he concealed his Bitcoin holdings, effectively dodging $48 million in taxes owed from the sale of his crypto assets.
Ver, who was arrested in Spain and later granted bail on the condition that he remain in the country, has been fighting extradition. He filed a motion in December to dismiss the case, arguing that the IRS’s exit tax law is “inscrutably vague” when applied to cryptocurrencies.
Despite the legal challenges, Ver continues to claim he is a victim of “lawfare”—a politically motivated legal attack.
Why Is Marla Maples Speaking Out?
Maples’ involvement is unexpected, but she has long been active in philanthropy and advocating for various causes.
Her ties to Trump remain strong, as they share a daughter, Tiffany Trump. She attended Trump’s 2017 inauguration and previously stated she was open to serving in some capacity if he returned to office.
By aligning herself with Ver’s defense, Maples joins a growing list of high-profile figures questioning his prosecution, including:
Given her past support for Trump’s policies, her statement could indicate pressure on Trump’s circle to intervene in Ver’s case.
Despite Ver’s direct plea for a presidential pardon, Trump has not publicly addressed the case.
However, Elon Musk—who has been a vocal influence in Trump’s policy decisions—took a hard stance against Ver in January:
“He gave up his US citizenship. No pardon for Ver. Membership has its privileges.”
If Trump sides with Musk, Ver’s appeal could go unanswered. However, given his past sympathy toward figures in the crypto space, there is still a chance he could reconsider if pressure mounts.
The Bigger Picture
Ver’s case is about more than just one individual’s tax dispute. It highlights the uncertain legal landscape for crypto taxation and the growing political divide over digital assets.
His defense raises critical questions:
- Are crypto exit taxes too vague for renounced citizens?
- Is the government selectively prosecuting high-profile crypto figures?
- Could political connections influence legal outcomes?
As Trump’s allies and critics take sides, the case could set a precedent for future tax enforcement on crypto millionaires and expatriates.
Final Takeaway
With Maples, Buterin, and Ulbricht rallying for Ver, the pressure is mounting. But without Trump’s direct intervention, Ver’s fate remains uncertain.
His case represents a legal and political flashpoint where crypto regulation, tax enforcement, and personal influence intersect at the highest levels of power.
As extradition proceedings unfold, one key question lingers: Will Trump take action, or will Ver’s plea go unheard?
