The question on many minds is whether Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of FTX, will walk free anytime soon. According to recent reports, his parents, Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried—both prominent law professors—are actively exploring ways to secure his release from prison. One potential avenue being considered is a presidential pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Could Trump Pardon Sam Bankman-Fried?
Bloomberg reports that Bankman and Fried have been in discussions with lawyers and individuals close to Trump regarding the possibility of a pardon for their 32-year-old son, who was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, it remains unclear whether they have directly contacted the White House or Trump’s team.
The odds of a pardon seem slim, given the political dynamics at play. Bankman-Fried was a significant donor to Democratic campaigns, and his mother has strong ties to the Democratic Party. This could make it difficult to gain favor with Trump, who is a Republican. Additionally, unlike the case of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, Bankman-Fried lacks a broad grassroots movement advocating for his release. Ulbricht, who was supported by the Free Ross movement and libertarian groups (many of whom also backed Trump), spent over a decade in prison before receiving clemency.
It’s also worth noting that Bankman-Fried’s case is relatively recent. He was arrested in late 2022 by Bahamian authorities, whereas Ulbricht was detained back in 2013. This timeline difference further complicates any comparisons between the two cases.
The Fates of Other FTX Executives
While Bankman-Fried received the harshest sentence in the FTX collapse case, other former executives have managed to secure lighter punishments by cooperating with authorities. For instance:
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Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research, was sentenced to just two years in prison.
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Ryan Salame, a former FTX executive, saw his original 7.5-year sentence reduced by one year under the First Step Act. His expected release date is now set for March 1, 2031.
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Gary Wang, FTX’s former CTO, and Nishad Singh, the former head of engineering, both received suspended sentences.
These lenient outcomes highlight the benefits of cooperating with law enforcement, a path Bankman-Fried did not take.
Final Thoughts
The possibility of a presidential pardon for Sam Bankman-Fried remains uncertain. While his parents are reportedly exploring every option, the political and legal hurdles are significant. Moreover, the lack of public support for his release further diminishes his chances.
As the story unfolds, it will be interesting to see whether Trump—or any future president—considers granting clemency to the former FTX CEO. For now, Bankman-Fried’s fate remains sealed behind bars, while his former colleagues enjoy lighter sentences thanks to their cooperation with authorities.
