Pressure mounts for President Trump to pardon Julian Assange

Julian Assange was previously in exile, taking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. On April 11, 2019, he was arrested on an extradition warrant from the US Justice Department. He is charged with conspiracy to attempt to hack a computer in relation to classified military info obtained via Chelsea Manning.

"Assange" and Wikileaks were top trending terms on Twitter on Monday after rumors of a potential pardon began to circulate.

Assange's attorney says the indictment of Assange sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and freedom of the press. Assange was eventually charged with 17 additional counts under the Espionage Act.

Supporters have campaigned for Assange to be pardoned in the past, but to no avail. This is the most significant push, as #Assange is topping all social media charts. These supporters are going to continue pushing for the pardoning of Julian Assange, as well as whistleblower Edward Snowden.

It remains to be seen whether Julian Assange or Snowden will receive a pardon, but with mounting support, it is seemingly conceivable that this may be President Trump's final act.