US President Donald Trump has made a notable move to support the crypto community by pardoning the founders of BitMEX and other related individuals.
Pardoning BitMEX Founders
On March 28, 2025, President Donald Trump announced full pardons for Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed, founders of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX. They were accused of money laundering and violating the Bank Secrecy Act. In 2022, Samuel Reed pleaded guilty and agreed to a $10 million fine, while BitMEX faced a $100 million penalty for inadequate anti-money laundering measures between 2015 and 2020.
Other Notable Pardons
Earlier this year, Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road online marketplace, and Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola. These decisions garnered extensive support from libertarians and crypto enthusiasts who considered Ulbricht's sentence excessive and objected to Milton's charges.
Impact on the Cryptocurrency Industry
These events have triggered discussions on possible pardons for other notable figures. Reports suggest associates of Sam Bankman-Fried are seeking a presidential pardon. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao is open to the possibility after serving a four-month prison term. These actions highlight a shift towards embracing cryptocurrency initiatives.
Trump's announced pardons underscore his willingness to support the cryptocurrency sector and reconsider justice in digital asset domains.
