Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX, is making a last-ditch attempt to secure a pardon from former President Donald Trump. Serving a 25-year prison sentence for his role in the FTX scandal, Bankman-Fried has adopted a new political strategy, shifting to the right and appealing directly to Trump for leniency. Despite this bold move, political insiders remain skeptical, with some calling his chances “zero.”
Sam Bankman-Fried Clings to Political Networks
Reports suggest that an anonymous crypto lobbyist dismissed the idea of a pardon, stating, “It’s Trump world… near zero.” However, SBF’s actions suggest he’s not giving up. In addition to a controversial appearance on The Tucker Carlson Show, which led to his solitary confinement, he’s consulting with a lawyer linked to Trump. His father, Stanford Law professor Joe Bankman, also co-authored a piece in the Washington Post praising Trump’s policies.
SBF, apparently used his wealth to influence US politics, donating millions to both Republican and Democratic candidates. Before FTX’s bankruptcy, his “effective altruism” network, which leaned left, was well-known for its political donations. However, after his arrest, Bankman-Fried claimed to have donated just as much to Republicans, funneled through “dark money” channels.
Despite this effort to align with Trump’s camp, many in the crypto industry still see him as an outcast, especially after FTX’s collapse. While Trump has previously pardoned figures like Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, Bankman-Fried’s odds are slim unless the broader crypto community embraces him.
Also Read: SBF’s Parents in Talks with Trump Insiders for Pardon: Sources
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