Sam Bankman-Fried, a former cryptocurrency mogul convicted of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, is making a bold move to secure a pardon from the Trump administration. Despite being a former top Democratic donor, Bankman-Fried’s parents and allies are working with a lawyer with ties to Trump and reaching out to Washington lobbyists in hopes of swaying the president towards granting clemency.
Bankman-Fried, once a billionaire in the crypto world, fell from grace after the collapse of his exchange, FTX, leading to his conviction and a 25-year prison sentence. With efforts led by his parents and supporters, they are hoping to highlight flaws in his prosecution that they believe could resonate with Trump. Bankman-Fried, through a jailhouse interview with Tucker Carlson, indirectly pitched his case to the president, emphasizing his switch from being closer to Democrats to aligning more with Republicans.
Despite this effort, it is uncertain if Bankman-Fried will get the pardon he seeks, as he does not fit the typical profile of someone Trump would pardon. However, given Trump’s transactional approach to clemency and the influence of those in Bankman-Fried’s circle, there remains a possibility. The disgraced former crypto executive continues to maintain his innocence and has filed an appeal, arguing that the judge overseeing his trial showed bias.
The pardon campaign for Bankman-Fried highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to try to secure favor with Trump and reverse legal decisions. While it remains to be seen whether this effort will be successful, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and personal connections involved in seeking clemency at the highest levels of government.
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