Sam Bankman-Fried Applies for Presidential Pardon from Trump

Sam Bankman-Fried, co-founder and former CEO of FTX, has filed for a presidential pardon with the Office of the Pardon Attorney. He was convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges in 2024 and is serving a 25-year sentence. His application for a pardon is filed under the category of ‘pardon after completion of sentence’ relief.

During a recent phone interview from prison, Bankman-Fried expressed his willingness to accept a pardon from President Trump, stating, "It would be obviously, you know, ultimately up to the president, not up to me." Although he has not personally communicated with the White House regarding his application, he mentioned that he could not speak for those close to him who may have done so. The pardon application process can be lengthy, taking "months or years" before any determination is made.

While maintaining his innocence, Bankman-Fried claimed that he did not steal user funds, asserting that customers were ultimately repaid in full through the bankruptcy process, which he called a "great disservice that it has taken three years." His plea for a pardon has recently garnered attention, especially when he began advocating for the Clarity Act, a proposed framework for crypto market regulations.

Despite this, President Trump has previously ruled out a pardon for Bankman-Fried. However, the former president has granted pardons to other notable figures in the crypto space, including Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. The outcomes of Bankman-Fried's ongoing legal battles and his pursuit for a pardon signal significant ongoing developments in crypto and regulatory landscapes.