Sam Bankman-Fried, once a major contributor to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, is now seeking a pardon from former President Donald Trump. This follows the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which led to a 25-year prison sentence. However, his request is met with skepticism within the industry.
Bankman-Fried's Efforts to Seek Pardon
Bankman-Fried is currently trying to change his fortunes by appealing to former President Trump for a pardon. His efforts include appearing on conservative media platforms, such as The Tucker Carlson Show, which ultimately led to him being placed in solitary confinement. While Carlson didn't directly ask about a pardon, his interest in some Republican ideas sparked rumors about a possible pardon.
Skepticism Amid Efforts
Despite these efforts, insiders remain skeptical about his chances. One anonymous crypto lobbyist stated that his chances of getting a pardon are 'zero'. Trump has previously supported cryptocurrencies, but Bankman-Fried is not popular following the FTX collapse.
Prospects and Insider Opinions
Bankman-Fried's family, including his parents Joe Bankman and Barbara Fried, are consulting with a lawyer connected to Trump's past campaigns to help with the pardon. However, this effort hasn't gained significant momentum. On the other hand, some lobbyists believe that his chances might increase due to Trump's connections with the industry and willingness to grant pardons.
While Sam Bankman-Fried is making significant efforts to receive a pardon, his chances remain uncertain due to the crypto community's discontent and lack of popularity in the public eye.
