Trump Rules Out Pardoning Sam Bankman-Fried Despite Recent Clemency for Other Crypto Figures

In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump clarified that he will not grant a pardon to Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, despite having shown leniency towards other individuals within the cryptocurrency sector. This decision comes amid Bankman-Fried's legal struggles following his 2023 conviction for fraud.

Key Takeaways

Trump has confirmed he will not pardon Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO.
Bankman-Fried was found guilty in 2023 of fraud and conspiracy related to FTX's collapse.
Trump has granted clemency to other cryptocurrency figures, including Changpeng Zhao and Ross Ulbricht.
Bankman-Fried was a significant donor to the Democratic Party during the 2020 election.

Trump’s Stance on Pardons for Crypto Figures

Former President Donald Trump announced that he does not plan to pardon Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange. This statement came during a two-hour interview with The New York Times, where Trump was questioned about possible pardons for various high-profile individuals facing legal challenges.

When discussing the subject, Trump mentioned Bankman-Fried alongside other names but clarified that he will not extend clemency to the former exchange leader.

Trump rules out pardoning FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried

The Conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried

In 2023, Bankman-Fried was convicted on multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy, all linked to the downfall of FTX. Prosecutors accused him of misappropriating billions of dollars from customer funds. He is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence and is working on appealing his conviction.

In the last year, Bankman-Fried has sought to maintain a public presence through messages posted on X, which were shared by an associate and attributed to him. In December, he commended Trump’s decision to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, implying that similar relief could be justified in his situation.

Trump’s Recent Clemency Decisions

Trump’s comments about Bankman-Fried’s pardon are notable, especially since he has shown a willingness to pardon other individuals involved in cryptocurrency. Since beginning his recent term, he has provided clemency to former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht.

During this interview, Trump also took the opportunity to defend his position on the cryptocurrency industry, which has faced increased scrutiny from lawmakers. This comes even as questions have arisen regarding his family’s participation in digital asset ventures, which are under examination amid discussions on new regulatory measures.