Sam Bankman-Fried Praises Trump, Slams Biden—Is a Presidential Pardon Coming?

• Bankman-Fried praises Trump, targets Biden amid legal battle and speculation.
• Is Sam Bankman-Fried seeking a Trump pardon with praise?
• Bankman-Fried criticizes Biden, supports Trump—crypto and global policies highlighted.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the fallen FTX founder, has shifted gears on social media, ramping up his praise for US President Donald Trump while publicly criticizing former President Joe Biden. His recent statements, following the release of Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, have many wondering whether Bankman-Fried is angling for a presidential pardon.

Bankman-Fried, convicted on multiple felony counts after the collapse of FTX in late 2022, has found a new platform to express his views. His praise for Trump has been prominent, especially after the former president’s stance on crypto. In a recent post on X, Bankman-Fried stated that Trump is “right on crypto,” further fueling speculation that he might be looking to align himself with the current administration for political leverage.

But it’s not just crypto policies where Bankman-Fried is aligning with Trump. He also voiced support for Trump’s actions on the global stage, including the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Bankman-Fried described the move as “smart, gutsy, and pro-democracy,” signaling his admiration for Trump’s tough stance on foreign leaders. This marks a stark contrast to his previous praise for Biden, which has significantly dwindled in recent months.

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Bankman-Fried Criticizes Biden’s Handling of Crypto

The former crypto mogul also made waves with his criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of crypto regulation. Once a significant donor to Biden’s campaign, Bankman-Fried now claims that world leaders he encountered were “fed up with Biden.” He specifically called out Gary Gensler, the former SEC chair appointed by Biden, accusing him of bungling crypto policies. Gensler’s approach to “regulation before enforcement,” according to Bankman-Fried, damaged the industry. The SEC’s recent shakeup, with Gensler stepping down in January 2025, seems to have played into his narrative.

Bankman-Fried’s comments come at a time when Paul Atkins, a more crypto-friendly figure, took over as SEC chair, following Trump’s inauguration. This shift in regulatory leadership has led many in the crypto world to speculate about the possibility of a more favorable environment for Bankman-Fried’s legal and financial future.

Is a Trump Pardon in the Cards?

Despite Bankman-Fried’s vocal support for Trump, predictions on the crypto prediction platform Polymarket indicate that the chances of Trump issuing a pardon for the former FTX CEO before 2027 stand at just 17%. While the odds are low, Bankman-Fried’s increasing alignment with the Trump administration—combined with his critical remarks about Biden—has set the stage for further political speculation.

As Bankman-Fried continues his legal battle, his public comments and the political attention surrounding his case will only intensify. With the crypto world watching closely, the possibility of a presidential pardon remains uncertain, but Bankman-Fried’s strategy of aligning with Trump could be his attempt to gain favor at a time when the legal stakes are high.

Also Read: FCA Proposes Consumer Duty and New Rules for Crypto Firms in UK Market Regulation

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