The former CEO of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, sentenced to 25 years in prison for massive fraud, is making attempts to regain freedom. His parents are actively campaigning for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Pursuing a Political Shift
In an interview with the New York Sun from prison, Sam Bankman-Fried expressed a significant political shift. He once supported the Democratic Party but now criticizes the Biden administration. “The Biden administration was incredibly destructive and hard to manage, while the Republican Party was much more reasonable,” he declared. Meanwhile, his parents have started consultations with specialized lawyers and Trump's close associates.
Unlikely Chance for Pardon
The chances of obtaining a presidential pardon seem limited. William Livolsi, Executive Director of the White Collar Support Group, notes that unlike Ulbricht, Bankman-Fried does not enjoy the same popular support. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan emphasized the seriousness of the acts, describing Bankman-Fried's behavior as "evasive" and "petty." A recent judicial decision to seize his assets worth nearly a billion dollars further complicates the matter.
Challenges of the Clemency Campaign
The clemency campaign faces numerous challenges. Winning this fight is complicated by the fact that any favorable decision could be perceived as favoritism toward the economic elite, a particularly sensitive issue in the current political climate.
The campaign for Sam Bankman-Fried's pardon by his parents is a difficult endeavor given the seriousness of the charges and the lack of broad support.
