Sam Bankman-Fried has publicly backed President Donald Trump’s Iran strikes, intensifying speculation the jailed FTX founder is seeking a presidential pardon.
The former crypto executive, serving a 25-year sentence for fraud, issued the comments via prison-approved intermediaries, praising Trump’s policies on energy and crypto regulation.
“Saving” the SEC by replacing Gary Gensler with Paul Atkins, Bankman-Fried said, pointing to what he described as reduced pressure on crypto firms.
The remarks add to a series of pro-Trump statements, including claims that US gas prices were lower under his administration and support for recent military action against Iran.
The outreach comes as the FTX Recovery Trust moves to distribute about $2.2 billion to creditors, with some claim classes nearing full recovery.
Bankman-Fried’s positioning reflects the possibility of presidential clemency, following Trump’s past decision to pardon Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht after taking office in 2025.
Despite repayment progress, the FTX collapse continues to shape crypto regulation and investor sentiment, as Bankman-Fried’s legal team pursues a new trial while he remains in custody.