No Pardon on the Table
The White House has made it clear: there are no plans to pardon Sam Bankman-Fried. Despite weeks of increasingly visible social media activity and perceived political overtures, officials confirmed that President Donald Trump is not considering clemency for the former crypto executive.
In a statement referencing Trump’s earlier remarks to The New York Times, officials reiterated that SBF is not among the individuals under review for pardon consideration. Trump previously stated he had “no plans to pardon” Bankman-Fried, alongside other controversial figures. For now, that position appears unchanged.
Social Media Strategy Raises Eyebrows
From prison, Bankman-Fried has posted frequently on X, sharing grievances about his trial and defending the solvency of his collapsed exchange, FTX. He has insisted that “FTX was always solvent” while also criticizing Democrats and voicing support for Trump’s economic policies.
Observers interpret this activity as a calculated attempt to reposition himself politically. Although SBF has not formally requested a pardon, his messaging has notably aligned with Trump’s platform in recent weeks. The timing has fueled speculation that he hopes to sway opinion inside conservative circles.
Still, insiders say the optics remain difficult. Bankman-Fried was once one of the largest political donors during the 2020 election cycle, contributing millions to Democratic campaigns. That history complicates any narrative of political alignment today.
Conviction and Legal Reality
Bankman-Fried was convicted in 2023 on multiple fraud and conspiracy charges tied to the misuse of billions in customer funds. Prosecutors described the case as “likely the largest fraud in the last decade” drawing comparisons to historic financial scandals. He is currently serving a 25-year federal prison sentence.
Earlier this month, a motion for a new trial was filed on his behalf, citing procedural arguments and newly claimed evidence. However, legal experts caution that Rule 33 motions are rarely successful, particularly when filed years after conviction unless compelling new facts emerge.
His appeal process remains ongoing, but without executive intervention, his primary path forward lies within the federal court system rather than the Oval Office.
Crypto Pardons - But Not for SBF
President Trump has already issued clemency to several high-profile figures tied to the crypto industry, including Changpeng Zhao and Ross Ulbricht. Those decisions reignited debate about executive power and crypto accountability.
However, analysts argue that Bankman-Fried’s case carries a different weight. The collapse of FTX wiped out billions in customer funds and triggered one of the most damaging crises in crypto history. Granting a pardon in such circumstances would likely provoke political backlash from both parties.
For now, the administration appears unwilling to take that risk.
What Happens Next?
Without a presidential lifeline, Bankman-Fried faces a long legal road ahead. His appeals must overcome a high bar, and public sympathy remains limited. Meanwhile, speculation surrounding his online activity continues to swirl across crypto circles.
While SBF’s supporters argue that markets and regulatory failures share some blame, federal prosecutors maintain that the conviction reflected overwhelming evidence of misconduct. And until something materially changes in court, the White House’s stance is firm.
In short, despite the noise online and shifting political winds, a pardon for Sam Bankman-Fried is not in the cards - at least not anytime soon.
