- The White House confirms Trump does not plan to pardon Sam Bankman-Fried
- SBF is serving a 25-year sentence following his 2023 fraud conviction
- His campaign for a new trial and public defense continues online
The White House has reaffirmed that President Donald Trump has no intention of pardoning FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. A spokesperson reiterated that Trump remains the “ultimate decider” on pardons but currently has no plans to intervene in SBF’s case.
This comes after renewed public efforts by Bankman-Fried to seek clemency while also pursuing a new trial. SBF is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence following his November 2023 conviction on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy tied to FTX’s collapse.
A Long Shot From the Start
Bankman-Fried’s attempt to secure a pardon included public messaging through his X account, which is reportedly managed by a proxy. Posts have highlighted support for the current administration’s pro-crypto policies while criticizing the previous administration’s approach to regulation.
However, insiders suggest SBF’s case differs significantly from other crypto-related pardons. President Trump previously pardoned figures such as Binance’s Changpeng Zhao and BitMEX’s Arthur Hayes. In contrast, Bankman-Fried’s role in the FTX collapse and his prior political affiliations have reportedly weakened his appeal.
Claims of an “Unfair Trial”
SBF’s recent social media statements outlined what he described as “10 myths” about his case. He argued that he did not receive a fair trial and claimed that key evidence was excluded. The posts also alleged that the Department of Justice and bankruptcy administrators shaped the narrative in a way that harmed his defense.
He has further asserted that Judge Lewis Kaplan was biased and improperly restricted certain lines of argument, including claims related to FTX’s solvency and legal counsel. Bankman-Fried is now seeking a new trial and a different judge, arguing that relevant information was withheld during proceedings.
The Broader Crypto Impact
The White House’s stance signals that high-profile crypto executives convicted of fraud are unlikely to receive political intervention. For the broader industry, this reinforces the message that regulatory and legal accountability remains firm despite shifts in crypto policy tone.
SBF continues to argue that FTX was solvent and capable of repaying customers before bankruptcy proceedings began. However, the court’s verdict and sentencing remain in effect, and the administration has shown no willingness to revisit that outcome.
