Sam Bankman-Fried’s Pardon Campaign Falls Flat as White House Rules Out Clemency
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried launched a high-profile social media push for a presidential pardon, but the White House firmly denies any clemency from President Donald Trump.
Sam Bankman-Fried, serving a 25-year sentence for fraud after his crypto empire collapsed, has publicly courted Donald Trump on X, formerly Twitter, aligning with Trump’s policies, attacking his judge, and criticizing legal rivals to sway opinion.
Last month, Trump dismissed any chance of a presidential pardon in a recent New York Times interview.
A White House spokesperson confirmed Trump will not intervene, making clear that Bankman-Fried’s appeals won’t change his stance. There are no plans for a pardon, consistent with the president’s previous statements on the disgraced crypto executive.
Bankman-Fried’s Pardon Bid Hits Dead End Amid FTX Fallout
Sam Bankman-Fried’s campaign strategically targets Trump’s base, praising conservative causes, echoing Trump-era priorities, and criticizing the Biden administration, moves widely seen as an attempt to sway a presidential pardon, though experts doubt its chances.
Earlier this month, he also asked a Manhattan federal court for a new trial, citing previously unavailable testimony from former FTX executives that could challenge the prosecution’s case.
Historically, Trump has granted clemency to major crypto figures like Binance’s Changpeng Zhao and BitMEX’s leadership. But Sm Bankman-Fried’s case is different.
Well, the scale of his fraud, his controversial persona, and FTX’s high-profile collapse make a pardon politically risky. Advisers warn that clemency could spark backlash from lawmakers and voters still reeling from one of the biggest financial scandals in recent memory.
Despite this, Bankman-Fried’s campaign remains active, using social media to navigate the unusual overlap of cryptocurrency, politics, and public relations.
Last month, his parents reportedly explored a presidential pardon for the 25-year sentence he faces for fraud-related charges.
For now, the message from the Trump camp is clear: social media influence won’t be enough. Bankman-Fried must confront the reality of his sentence, underscoring the limits of clout, even in the crypto world.
Conclusion
Sam Bankman-Fried’s social media plea highlights the limits of online influence against serious legal consequences. Despite courting Trump-aligned supporters, the White House’s rejection shows that notoriety cannot override accountability.
Therefore, FTX’s collapse serves as a stark reminder that even high-profile crypto figures are not above the law.
Source: https://coinpaper.com/14901/sam-bankman-fried-presidential-pardon-plea-on-social-media-falls-on-deaf-ears
