Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, recently criticized Biden, expressed support for Trump, and hinted at his hopes for a presidential pardon.
Bankman-Fried Turns on Biden, Praises Trump
Once a major donor to the Democratic Party, Bankman-Fried now expresses deep frustration with the Biden administration. In the interview, he stated, 'I became really frustrated and disappointed with what I saw of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party.' He also admired Elon Musk’s aggressive stance on cutting government bureaucracy.
A Desperate Pardon Bid?
Serving a 25-year sentence for fraud, Bankman-Fried’s family has sought clemency from Trump. If successful, this wouldn’t be the first time Trump has pardoned a notable figure in the crypto world. Bankman-Fried’s former associate, Ryan Salame, also sought Trump’s help, claiming he was a victim of political persecution.
The Trump Connection
Bankman-Fried’s legal troubles have an interesting link to Trump’s. Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw his trial, also presided over Trump’s defamation case. Bankman-Fried suggested that politics played a role in his conviction, saying, 'When politics get involved — both in a partisan sense and in career advancement for law enforcement — it blows everything out of proportion.'
Bankman-Fried's latest statements suggest a bid for clemency, despite slim chances. His reputation as a highly controversial figure in the crypto industry may be too damaging to garner Trump's support.
