- White House confirms Trump will not pardon Sam Bankman-Fried.
- Political Rebrand Fails to Shift White House Pardon Decision.
- Fraud conviction sets SBF apart from broader crypto policy changes.
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will not pardon Sam Bankman-Fried, despite the disgraced crypto executive’s recent public appeals. The statement closes the door on speculation that Bankman-Fried’s recent political repositioning aimed at securing clemency.
While Trump has issued pardons to several high-profile financial figures, administration officials say Bankman-Fried does not fall into that category. The decision signals clear limits to Trump’s broader shift toward easing crypto-related enforcement.
White House Reaffirms No Pardon Plan
According to reports, a White House spokesperson reiterated that Trump has no intention of granting Bankman-Fried a pardon. The spokesperson referenced comments Trump made in January, when he ruled out clemency for several prominent inmates. Trump emphasized that he alone decides all pardon matters.
Besides that clarification, officials offered no sign of reconsideration. The response followed inquiries about Bankman-Fried’s recent social media activity. His attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
Bankman-Fried currently serves a 25-year federal sentence for fraud linked to the collapse of his crypto exchange. He continues to challenge his conviction in the federal appeals court.
Social Media Campaign and Political Shift
In recent weeks, Bankman-Fried’s social media feed has adopted a distinctly conservative tone. He has criticized judicial bias and praised Trump’s stance against what he describes as partisan overreach. Additionally, he has voiced support for platforms that promote unrestricted speech.
Significantly, this messaging marks a sharp break from his earlier political identity. Bankman-Fried previously ranked among the largest Democratic donors during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. However, internal documents disclosed at trial showed he once considered publicly aligning with conservative media figures as his legal troubles intensified.
Consequently, observers in Washington viewed his online campaign as an attempt to reshape his political image. Yet insiders have long described any pardon effort as unlikely. His past ties to Democratic fundraising circles continue to shape perceptions within Republican ranks.
Broader Crypto Policy Context
Trump returned to office pledging to roll back several Biden-era crypto enforcement actions. Regulatory agencies have since dropped certain cases against blockchain firms. Moreover, the Justice Department has adjusted how it approaches digital asset investigations.
However, administration officials appear unwilling to extend that shift to high-profile fraud convictions. Bankman-Fried’s case stands apart from regulatory disputes involving crypto platforms. His conviction centered on misusing customer funds and misleading investors.
Related: Sam Bankman-Fried Praises TrumpRx, Calls Out Insurance Giants
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