Trump Says He Won't Pardon Sam Bankman-Fried

Markets 2026-01-09 17:06

Trump Says He Won't Pardon Sam Bankman-Fried

President Donald Trump told The New York Times he has no plans to pardon former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.

The comments came during a two-hour interview in which Trump discussed topics ranging from U.S. oversight of Venezuela to potential pardons for several high-profile figures.

No pardon planned

The New York Times reported that Trump was asked about clemency for a list that included Venezuela’s ousted leader Nicolás Maduro, former New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Bankman-Fried.

Bankman-Fried was convicted in 2023 on multiple fraud and conspiracy charges tied to the collapse of FTX.

He is serving a 25-year prison sentence and is appealing the conviction.

Bankman-Fried’s clemency push

Over the past year, Bankman-Fried has posted via an X account that says the messages are his words shared by a friend.

In December, he praised Trump’s pardon of ex-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández and wrote that “few are more deserving than him.”

Trump and bitcoin industry ties

The report noted Bankman-Fried was a major donor to Democrats in 2020, including a $5.2 million donation to support efforts to defeat Trump.

Since returning to office, Trump has issued pardons connected to the bitcoin industry, including former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and Silk Road operator Ross Ulbricht.

Trump also defended his backing of the bitcoin industry amid scrutiny of his family’s business ties.

Trump told the NYT:

“I got a lot of votes because I backed crypto, and I got to like it.”

Share to:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Curated Series

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

This collection features informative articles about SuperEx, aiming to simplify complex cryptocurrency concepts for a wider audience. It covers the basics of trading, blockchain technology, and the features of the SuperEx platform. Through easy-to-understand content, it helps users navigate the world of digital assets with confidence and clarity.

Unstaked related news and market dynamics research

Unstaked related news and market dynamics research

Unstaked (UNSD) is a blockchain platform integrating AI agents for automated community engagement and social media interactions. Its native token supports governance, staking, and ecosystem features. This special feature explores Unstaked’s market updates, token dynamics, and platform development.

XRP News and Research

XRP News and Research

This series focuses on XRP, covering the latest news, market dynamics, and in-depth research. Featured analysis includes price trends, regulatory developments, and ecosystem growth, providing a clear overview of XRP's position and potential in the cryptocurrency market.

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

This special feature introduces the fundamentals of options trading for beginners, explaining how options work, their main types, and the mechanics behind trading them. It also explores key strategies, potential risks, and practical tips, helping readers build a clear foundation to approach the options market with confidence.

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

This special feature covers the risks of investing in cryptocurrency, explaining common challenges such as market volatility, security vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, and potential scams. It also provides analysis of risk management strategies and mitigation techniques, helping readers gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the crypto market safely.